18/12/2019  Happy Valley  Race 9

TORNADO TWIST began only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. LOBO’S LEGEND shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER TURBO. UGLY WARRIOR was crowded for room on jumping between MULTIMILLION and STRONGER which shifted out. After this, UGLY WARRIOR was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. From the outside barriers, SEVEN HEAVENS, HIGH FIVE and LOVING A BOOM were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TELECOM PUMA failed to muster speed. Passing the 1000 Metres, SEVEN HEAVENS commenced to travel keenly and shifted out when being checked away from the heels of UGLY WARRIOR which was steadied to obtain cover behind TELECOM PUMA. Then near the 950 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of TELECOM PUMA and subsequently travelled wide and without cover. SEVEN HEAVENS was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY KING when unable to improve between that horse and UGLY WARRIOR. SEVEN HEAVENS then continued to be held up for clear running and after the 150 Metres was again steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY KING when that horse was taken in by LOVING A BOOM. Consequently, SEVEN HEAVENS was not able to be properly tested. Passing the 200 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR was shifted out away from the heels of SPEEDY KING. Over the concluding stages, LOVING A BOOM got its head on the side and lay in, requiring its rider having to correct his mount close to the finishing line. After the race, M Chadwick reported that STRONGER travelled too keenly in the run. He said when BIG PARTY improved to the outside of STRONGER rounding the Home Turn, his mount came under immediate pressure and then did not finish off the race. He said, in his opinion, the disappointing performance of STRONGER, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight, could be attributed to the fact that the horse would not relax through the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of HIGH FIVE and STRONGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BIG PARTY and TORNADO TWIST were sent for sampling.