28/09/2016  Happy Valley  Race 1

SILVER GATSBY shifted in on jumping, resulting in MI SAVVY BOY being taken in onto MIZZEN GREY which in turn shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of SAFARI MAGIC. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, DASHING FORTUNE failed to muster speed. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, PERFECT TIMING was steadied when tightened for room between MIZZEN GREY and DASHING FORTUNE which shifted in. When DASHING FORTUNE was shifted out to relieve the tightening to PERFECT TIMING, that horse made contact with MANHATTAN STRIKER. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FLYING MACHINE was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 1000 Metres, DASHING FORTUNE was checked away from the heels of MANHATTAN STRIKER when taken out marginally by MIZZEN GREY which shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of SAFARI MAGIC. Approaching the 800 Metres, LAUGHING LORD commenced to over-race and shifted out away from the heels of SILVER GATSBY and as a result made contact with MANHATTAN STRIKER. LAUGHING LORD and MANHATTAN STRIKER then raced tight for some distance and made contact on a number of occasions which resulted in MANHATTAN STRIKER being forced out into a four wide position. After the 500 Metres, SILVER GATSBY and LAUGHING LORD made contact as SILVER GATSBY attempted to shift out away from the heels of FOUR FOUR FIVE which was commencing to give ground. SILVER GATSBY was then steadied for some distance when unable to shift to the outside of the heels of FOUR FOUR FIVE. Rounding the Home Turn, MIZZEN GREY had to be checked when unable to proceed between MI SAVVY BOY and FOUR FOUR FIVE which shifted in slightly when giving ground. Approaching the 200 Metres, PERFECT TIMING had to be shifted in when disappointed for running between FOUR FOUR FIVE and MIZZEN GREY which shifted out. Approaching the 100 Metres, SAFARI MAGIC had to be directed to the outside of LAUGHING LORD to find clear running. The performance of FOUR FOUR FIVE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FOUR FOUR FIVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that although obliged to race three wide throughout the early stages, MANHATTAN STRIKER was able to maintain cover. He said however that after receiving contact from LAUGHING LORD near the 800 Metres, MANHATTAN STRIKER dropped the bit and came under pressure. He said, despite being hard ridden from the 500 Metres, MANHATTAN STRIKER gave ground and then weakened badly in the Straight. He added he did not test the horse over the concluding stages as he felt that something may have been amiss with MANHATTAN STRIKER. He said the only excuse he could offer was that MANHATTAN STRIKER may have been adversely affected by making repeated contact with LAUGHING LORD in the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of MANHATTAN STRIKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MANHATTAN STRIKER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MANHATTAN STRIKER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLYING MACHINE, MI SAVVY BOY and SAFARI MAGIC were sent for sampling.