10/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 5

SUNNY DRAGON began awkwardly. NAMJONG INVINCIBLE began very awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, FORMULA GALORE was bumped by LONDON CITY which was taken out by OPEN HOUSE which in turn was taken out by BINGO. After this, FORMULA GALORE was steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier. Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, D Whyte stated that following its first up run when the horse was able to be ridden in a forward position over the course and distance, it was intended for LOTUS BREEZE to be ridden behind the speed tonight if possible. He said, despite being ridden along in the early stages, LOTUS BREEZE did not show the same early speed and making the turn near the 1000 Metres raced tight between LONDON CITY and SUNNY DRAGON which made the turn awkwardly and shifted out. He said this resulted in him having to steady LOTUS BREEZE to obtain a trailing position behind LONDON CITY. He said although this resulted in LOTUS BREEZE having to race one position further back at best, he believed the horse would only have been able to obtain a position just in front of midfield had it not been for this incident. He said therefore after the race he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance if the programme suits to allow LOTUS BREEZE to be able to take up a more forward position. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLITZING and APPLAUSE were sent for sampling.