04/01/2017  Happy Valley  Race 3

As the start was effected, C P POWER bounded in the air and consequently lost ground. WINNING BOY began awkwardly. RAY OF GOLD began only fairly. After initially being ridden along from a wide barrier, GOLDEN DEER was left racing wide and passing the 1100 Metres was then steadied and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, C P POWER momentarily raced tight between VICTOR EMPEROR and NATURAL TEAM which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to C P POWER. At the entrance to the Straight, COUR VALANT was shifted out across the heels of GRACE HEART to obtain clear running. RAY OF GOLD, which was following COUR VALANT, was held up for clear running behind that horse in consequence. When questioned regarding the performance of GRACE HEART, J Moreira stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to ride the horse positively in the early stages if it showed sufficient speed to lead or to obtain a position with cover if possible. He said making the first turn after the 1000 Metres GRACE HEART was left racing in a four wide position after having to be ridden along throughout the early stages to clear runners to its inside. He said as GRACE HEART did not show sufficient speed to be able to cross three runners to his inside, he elected to steady GRACE HEART approaching the 900 Metres and he was able to obtain a good trailing position behind the eventual winner ISAAC after the 800 Metres. He added when the tempo of the race quickened rounding the Home Turn, GRACE HEART immediately came under pressure and did not show any turn of foot. He said, despite being placed under pressure in the Straight, GRACE HEART gave ground and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of GRACE HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, B Prebble (FIVE STARS AGENT) stated that he had anticipated that ISAAC might be able to cross ACE KING in the early stages and lead which would provide FIVE STARS AGENT the opportunity to race outside the lead. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode FIVE STARS AGENT positively in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said after the 1100 Metres it became apparent to him that the rider of ACE KING was intent on maintaining his positon to the inside of ISAAC and that the rider of that horse may have been steadying ISAAC to obtain cover. He said however that, despite being ridden along, FIVE STARS AGENT did not show sufficient speed to be able to cross ISAAC and because of this was left racing wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of FIVE STARS AGENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ISAAC and COUR VALANT were sent for sampling.