21/09/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

After being saddled, it was noted that DIAMOND BRILLIANT had sustained a minor abrasion to the left nostril. DIAMOND BRILLIANT was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. SUPER DOBBIN shifted out at the start and bumped DIAMOND BRILLIANT. RISING FROM ASHES was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1100 Metres, SUPER MISSION shifted out and hampered SUPER DOBBIN which then raced tight inside DIAMOND BRILLIANT. THE RUNNER was ridden along for a considerable distance in the early and middle stages to obtain a forward position and travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, DROPS OF GOD was steadied and shifted to the outside of STREET SCREAM after being disappointed for running between that horse and SUPER MISSION which shifted out. STREET SCREAM and SUPER MISSION bumped near the 175 Metres. When questioned, Z Purton (DROPS OF GOD) stated that approaching the 500 Metres he was following SUPER MISSION, the favourite for tonight’s race and which appeared to be travelling strongly. He said at this time DROPS OF GOD was racing inside the heels of STREET SCREAM which came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres after travelling wide throughout the race. He said given the manner in which SUPER MISSION was travelling, he expected that horse to quicken rounding the Home Turn and STREET SCREAM to commence to give ground and therefore he continued to follow SUPER MISSION rounding the Home Turn. He said he did give consideration to shifting to the outside of STREET SCREAM prior to the Home Turn, however, at this time he believed that he would have had to steady DROPS OF GOD to be in a position to clear that horse’s heels and shift out, therefore he felt that following SUPER MISSION was the better option. He added that STREET SCREAM quickened at the top of the Straight to maintain its position outside SUPER MISSION and this resulted in DROPS OF GOD then being held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIKE THAT, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled well throughout the race. He said after being held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn behind DIAMOND BRILLIANT, he was able to obtain clear running at the entrance to the Straight. He added he placed LIKE THAT under immediate pressure, however, the horse did not quicken as well as anticipated and then in the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of LIKE THAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER MISSION, STREET SCREAM and DROPS OF GOD were sent for sampling.