13/01/2016  Happy Valley  Race 3

STRATUM POWER began only fairly. FRANCE VALOUR was crowded for room on jumping between LYRIC ACE and HANG'S DECISION which shifted out. From the outside barriers, ARGENTUM and HAPPY CHAMPION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 900 Metres, after initially being awkwardly placed close to the heels of SGT ROCK which shifted in, ARGENTUM then got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly away from that horse, resulting in STRATUM POWER losing ground when crowded for room. Approaching the 400 Metres, PLENTY OF SPEED shifted in away from HANG'S DECISION, brushed the running rail and became unbalanced. Approaching the 200 Metres, ARGENTUM was shifted out away from the heels of PEACE COMBINATION which was giving ground. Passing the winning post, HANG'S DECISION shifted in abruptly. Throughout the race, SPITFIRE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PEACE COMBINATION, N Callan stated that his mount became stirred up behind the barriers and then on jumping lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began only fairly. He said however that PEACE COMBINATION was able to recover lost ground in the early stages without having to be ridden along and he was able to shift in to race just behind the lead shortly after entering the Back Straight. He said PEACE COMBINATION travelled fairly until placed under pressure approaching the 400 Metres. He said after giving a limited response rounding the Home Turn, PEACE COMBINATION then gave ground noticeably in the Straight and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He added after the race PEACE COMBINATION appeared sound in its action. A veterinary inspection of PEACE COMBINATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PEACE COMBINATION, a favourite for tonight's race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PEACE COMBINATION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PEACE COMBINATION, HANG'S DECISION and LYRIC ACE were sent for sampling.