17/12/2014  Happy Valley  Race 4

Just prior to the start being effected, DRAGON BACHELOR became fractious and lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates opening just prior to the remaining gates. DRAGON BACHELOR, which was being assisted by a starting gate handler, was consequently slow to begin. As the Stewards formed the opinion that DRAGON BACHELOR had not gained any advantage by having its stalls open just prior to the remaining stalls and that the horse had caused its own problems at the start by being fractious and lunging at the front gates, the Stewards declared weighed-in on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON BACHELOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. J Moreira stated that this incident at the start resulted in DRAGON BACHELOR being obliged to race further back in the field than had been intended. He said it had been hoped that DRAGON BACHELOR would be able to obtain a position behind the lead. He said DRAGON BACHELOR travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, when the pace of the race quickened near the 600 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR was left flat-footed and then only made steady ground. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON BACHELOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CRUISE CONTROL shifted out at the start and bumped NAVEL ORANGE. Making the first turn passing the 2100 Metres, TOWERING STORM was steadied away from the heels of CHINA DELIGHT which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of NAVEL ORANGE. Near the 1600 Metres, SURE CHAMP was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ON THE WAY. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CRUISE CONTROL shifted out after being awkwardly placed behind CHINA DELIGHT. At the same point of the race, TOWERING STORM got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOVING STAR. At the 800 Metres, ZACHARY shifted in away from BACKBENCH BLUES and bumped ON THE WAY which became unbalanced. Near the 550 Metres, NAVEL ORANGE shifted out and bumped CHINA DELIGHT. For some distance after the 500 Metres, SURE CHAMP was taken back through the field when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ON THE WAY which was giving ground. Then rounding the Home Turn, SURE CHAMP raced in restricted room between ON THE WAY and NAVEL ORANGE. Rounding the Home Turn, NAVEL ORANGE and CRUISE CONTROL raced tight. DRAGON BACHELOR, BACKBENCH BLUES and LOVING STAR were sent for sampling.