30/11/2016  Happy Valley  Race 5

Whilst in the saddling stalls, EXCELLENCE had its left hind plate readjusted. EXCELLENCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ASHKIYR was slow to begin. GREAT JOY began only fairly and then shortly after the start was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXPECTATOR which shifted out. From wide barriers, EXCELLENCE, SUPER FORM and CASA MASTER were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barrier, KING BOUNTIFUL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages, however, passing the winning post on the first occasion was left racing wide and without cover and then was obliged to continue racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. KING BOUNTIFUL consequently gave ground in the Straight. Near the 1600 Metres, BEST REWARD and EXPECTATOR bumped due to both horses shifting ground. After the 1600 Metres, ASHKIYR was steadied when racing tight inside GOOD CHOICE which was racing tight inside GREAT JOY which shifted in briefly. EXCELLENCE, which was racing to the outside of ASHKIYR, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse when ASHKIYR shifted out across the heels of GOOD CHOICE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, CASA MASTER got its head up when racing tight between ASHKIYR and KING BOUNTIFUL. Approaching the 600 Metres, GREAT JOY raced in restricted room between KING BOUNTIFUL and BEST REWARD which shifted out to improve. GOOD CHOICE was not able to obtain clear running from near the 300 Metres until passing the 150 Metres. A veterinary inspection of ASHKIYR and KING BOUNTIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CASA MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. PEARL FURU and GREAT JOY were sent for sampling.