14/09/2022  Happy Valley  Race 6

GO FOR TEA began awkwardly and then was ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position. BIG TWO shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of KUNGFUMASTER PANDA. From wide barriers, SPARKY STAR, KUNGFUMASTER PANDA and VINCY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, RUN THE TABLE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLYING SILVER. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, GO FOR TEA commenced to give ground and after the 900 Metres was eased down and retired out of the race. FEARLESS FIRE, which was following GO FOR TEA, was checked out away from the heels of that horse passing the 900 Metres and shifted out, resulting in SPARKY STAR being taken out. BIG TWO, which was following FEARLESS FIRE, was also shifted out to avoid GO FOR TEA which resulted in KUNGFUMASTER PANDA being bumped and taken wider. A veterinary inspection of GO FOR TEA immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, GO FOR TEA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the 300 Metres, SUPER BUDDY raced tight outside FLYING SILVER. After the 300 Metres, SPARKY STAR and KUNGFUMASTER PANDA bumped. When questioned, L Hewitson stated that, from barrier 9, it was felt that if BIG TWO were to be ridden to obtain a forward position in the early stages, the horse may have too much to do and may not be able to obtain cover. He said as BIG TWO had previously performed well when ridden from off the speed and with cover, it was decided to shift the horse across behind runners tonight to ensure that BIG TWO was able to obtain a trail. He said BIG TWO travelled well until after the 600 Metres, however, when placed under pressure failed to respond as it had previously when ridden by him and, in his opinion, was disappointing in tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of BIG TWO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BIG TWO, AMAZING BOY and RUN THE TABLE were sent for sampling.