22/02/2017  Happy Valley  Race 4

BEST TANGO was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SUPER CLAN and GOBI STORM bumped. From a wide barrier, HAPPY JOURNEY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. GOBI STORM lost its left hind plate passing the winning post on the first occasion. After the 1100 Metres, UNIQUE JOYFUL was left racing wide and without cover and after the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead passing the 700 Metres at which time HAPPY JOURNEY was left racing wide and without cover. As HASTA LA VISTA gave ground abruptly passing the 400 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS and BEST TANGO, which were following, were badly hampered. BEST TANGO then shifted out abruptly away from the heels of LUCKY PROFIT. Passing the 300 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS was bumped by HASTA LA VISTA which, when continuing to give ground, momentarily raced tight inside BEST TANGO. Near the 50 Metres, HAPPY JOURNEY shifted in under pressure onto the heels of GOBI STORM, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and direct that horse away from behind GOBI STORM. After the 50 Metres, BEST TANGO was shifted in away from the heels of DUTCH WINDMILL to continue improving. When questioned regarding the performance of IMPERIAL SEAL, J Moreira stated that he had to make considerable use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position from its wide barrier and it was not until near the 1100 Metres that he was able to clear runners to his inside and cross into the lead. He said IMPERIAL SEAL then travelled comfortably, however, when UNIQUE JOYFUL improved to its outside after the 800 Metres, he had to niggle at the horse to ensure that UNIQUE JOYFUL did not cross. He said because of these factors IMPERIAL SEAL was then not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of IMPERIAL SEAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY PROFIT immediately following the race confirmed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of HASTA LA VISTA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. IMPERIAL SEAL, SUPER CLAN and GO GO WIN were sent for sampling.