13/04/2022  Happy Valley  Race 9

On arrival at the start, L Hewitson expressed concern regarding the action of EXCELLENT DADDY. EXCELLENT DADDY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. TORONADO PHANTOM shifted out at the start, resulting in MERCURIAL and SUPER DOBBIN being crowded for room inside GLUCK RACER which also shifted in. From a wide barrier, WIND N GRASS was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When also being steadied from a wide barrier, MAJESTIC KNIGHT commenced to travel ungenerously passing the 1100 Metres and became unbalanced when being shifted across behind EXCELLENT DADDY. After the 700 Metres, GLUCK RACER was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 150 Metres, WIND N GRASS was held up for clear running when unable to improve between GLUCK RACER and TORONADO PHANTOM. WIND N GRASS then had difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 100 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, M L Yeung (WOOD ON FIRE) dropped his right rein. Close to the finishing line, MERCURIAL raced tight inside SUPER DOBBIN which itself was racing in restricted room inside JOYFUL WIN. Because of this, MERCURIAL was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of STOCK LEGEND which did not finish the race off as well as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of STOCK LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ARMOUR EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EASON and TORONADO PHANTOM were sent for sampling.