16/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 4

EVER FORCE began only fairly and soon after the start was steadied away from the heels of KING’S HORN which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to EVER FORCE. From wide barriers, PRANCE DRAGON, DAILY BEAUTY and CHAMPION PRIDE were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 1100 Metres, BRANDING POWER was inconvenienced by NOBLE BIRTH which shifted in momentarily. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, BRANDING POWER was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE BIRTH which was hampered and taken in by PEAK TO PEAK (K Teetan) which, after initially shifting in, was then shifted out abruptly to relieve the tightening. K Teetan was reprimanded and advised to exercise far more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After leaving the 1100 Metres, KING’S HORN was awkwardly placed near the heels of EVER FORCE when being shifted across behind that runner. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the middle stages, PRANCE DRAGON became detached from the field approaching the 600 Metres. At the 500 Metres, KING’S HORN and QUICK REPLY bumped and became unbalanced. Over the concluding stages, CHAMPION PRIDE lay in towards the heels of A SMILE LIKE YOURS and as a consequence was not able to be ridden out all the way to the finishing line. Throughout the race, A SMILE LIKE YOURS travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of PRANCE DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A SMILE LIKE YOURS, NOBLE BIRTH and BRANDING POWER were sent for sampling.