10/06/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2

PERFECT TO PLAY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, SPEED FORCE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUNNY POWER which shifted out after brushing PARTY TOGETHER. From the outside barriers, DRAGON COMMANDER and SUPER FAST were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1600 Metres, HOME WIN got its head up when racing tight inside INVALUABLE (V Borges). V Borges was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside. Near the 750 Metres, SUPER FAST and DRAGON COMMANDER raced tight as DRAGON COMMANDER attempted to shift out to follow KING’S MAN. Near the 450 Metres, DRAGON COMMANDER and SUPER FAST bumped as SUPER FAST attempted to improve into tight running inside KING’S MAN. DRAGON COMMANDER and SUPER FAST then continued to race tight rounding the Home Turn. Rounding the Home Turn, N Callan (KING’S MAN) dropped his whip. After the 200 Metres, DRAGON COMMANDER and SUPER FAST raced tight as DRAGON COMMANDER improved into tight running to the outside of HOME WIN. Over the concluding stages, FLAME LILY lay in and proved difficult to ride when awkwardly placed outside the heels of PARTY TOGETHER. T H So (HOME WIN) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PRETTY BAUHINIA, K Teetan stated that from the wide barrier he was required to shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages which meant that the horse was not able to be ridden as far forward as last start from a more favourable barrier. He said PRETTY BAUHINIA did not travel as strongly tonight as it had previously when ridden by him, in particular in its last two starts. He said PRETTY BAUHINIA came off the bridle at the 700 Metres and he was required to ride his mount hard after this in an endeavour to improve into the race. He added, despite being vigorously ridden, PRETTY BAUHINIA did not respond to his riding and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of PRETTY BAUHINIA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Mr R Gibson, the trainer of INVALUABLE, stated that the instructions he had given to riders of the horse in previous starts had been consistent in that he asked for it to be ridden in as forward a position as possible. He said he had been disappointed that INVALUABLE had not been able to obtain a prominent position and for this reason he again stressed to V Borges tonight to make every endeavour to have it in as forward a position as possible. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TO PLAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY ANGEL, INVALUABLE and PARTY TOGETHER were sent for sampling. <11/6/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that INVALUABLE had a right front tendon injury on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, INVALUABLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.