07/11/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, FORTUNE BOOTH had its right front plate refitted. FORTUNE BOOTH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MAGIC LEGEND began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of ALMABABY, causing MAGIC LEGEND to become badly unbalanced and lose ground. MAGIC LEGEND was then bumped by FORTUNE BOOTH which was taken in by WISHFUL THINKER. This resulted in MAGIC LEGEND losing further ground. In this incident, FORTUNE BOOTH became unbalanced after being crowded for room between MAGIC LEGEND and WISHFUL THINKER. Due to these incident, MAGIC LEGEND raced back in the field. After this, from wide barriers, FORTUNE BOOTH and WISHFUL THINKER were shifted across behind runners. SUPER HOPPY was crowded for room on jumping between CHEERFULJET and MR GENUINE which was taken out by MOMENT OF POWER which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. CHEERFULJET then shifted out, resulting in JADE THEATRE being badly crowded for room between that horse and SAUL’S SPECIAL which shifted in. In this incident, SAUL’S SPECIAL also became badly unbalanced when bumped heavily on the hindquarters by JADE THEATRE. Making the first turn after the 1000 Metres, WISHFUL THINKER, which was racing keenly, raced tight between MAGIC LEGEND and GUNNISON which shifted in marginally. Also making the turn after the 1000 Metres, CHEERFULJET got its head on the side and lay out. After the 1000 Metres, MAGIC LEGEND got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 200 Metres, JADE THEATRE was shifted to the inside of FORTUNE BOOTH when disappointed for running between that horse and HIGH FIVE. Near the 50 Metres, MR GENUINE was steadied when MOMENT OF POWER (Apprentice C Wong) shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded. Throughout the race, ALMABABY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPER HOPPY, C Schofield stated that although SUPER HOPPY was hampered when crowded for room on jumping, he was able to make up ground inside runners making the first turn and obtain a position in about midfield as anticipated. He said SUPER HOPPY travelled well in the middle stages and after obtaining a run inside MR GENUINE at the entrance to the Straight, he expected SUPER HOPPY to finish off the race strongly. He said however that SUPER HOPPY did not quicken as it did when he rode it previously and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added that SUPER HOPPY felt "flat” in tonight’s race which may be attributable to its recent races where it had to make a long sustained run from towards the rear of the field. A veterinary inspection of SUPER HOPPY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHEERFULJET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER HOPPY, WISHFUL THINKER and ALMABABY were sent for sampling.