07/07/2021  Happy Valley  Race 7

COMPASSION SPIRIT began only fairly and then was crowded for room between WINE AND WINE and MAJESTIC STAR which began awkwardly and shifted in. EQUALETTA BLITZ began awkwardly and then shifted out after being bumped by CALIFORNIA CONCORD which resulted in SIMPLY FLUKE being crowded for room inside AMAZING NEWS which was inconvenienced. After this, from wide barriers, SIMPLY FLUKE and AMAZING NEWS were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, ELIGERE was momentarily eased away from the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD which shifted in when racing tight inside EQUALETTA BLITZ. Also passing the 1000 Metres, AMAZING NEWS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of COMPASSION SPIRIT. Approaching the 900 Metres, ELIGERE raced tight outside the hindquarters of MAJESTIC STAR. After the 700 Metres, MAJESTIC STAR commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind CALIFORNIA CONCORD. Passing the 400 Metres, HARMONY N HOME raced close to the heels of MAJESTIC STAR when being directed to the outside of that horse. Passing the 300 Metres, MAJESTIC STAR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD when attempting to improve into tight running between that horse and WINE AND WINE. Also passing the 300 Metres, SIMPLY FLUKE raced close to the heels of ELIGERE when being shifted to the outside of that horse to improve into tight running between ELIGERE and CLASSIC POSH. Passing the 200 Metres, AMAZING NEWS was steadied when disappointed for running between HARMONY N HOME and ELIGERE, both of which shifted ground. Passing the 150 Metres, COMPASSION SPIRIT raced tight inside the hindquarters of HARMONY N HOME. Passing the 50 Metres, THE RUNNER was bumped by SIMPLY FLUKE which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, COMPASSION SPIRIT had difficulty obtaining clear running and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Close to the finishing line, HARMONY N HOME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE RUNNER. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EQUALETTA BLITZ, Z Purton stated that his mount did not initially feel comfortable in its action when proceeding to the barriers, however, warmed up sufficiently for him not to have any concerns that the horse would not perform well. He said EQUALETTA BLITZ showed its usual early speed to be able to take up a forward position, however, made the first turn near the 1000 Metres awkwardly. He said EQUALETTA BLITZ travelled only fairly in the run when racing wide and without cover and then came under pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said in the early part of the Straight EQUALETTA BLITZ’s action shortened noticeably and the horse commenced to give ground passing the 250 Metres and then weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. He added after the race EQUALETTA BLITZ again did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of EQUALETTA BLITZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of EQUALETTA BLITZ, one of the favoured runners in tonight’s race and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EQUALETTA BLITZ will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of COMPASSION SPIRIT and AMAZING NEWS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COMPASSION SPIRIT, SIMPLY FLUKE and THE RUNNER were sent for sampling.