20/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 3

SPEEDY was slow to begin, then lost further ground when being steadied away from the heels of WONDERFUL BLESSING which began awkwardly, got its head up and shifted out. DECAGONAL was slow to begin and was then checked when crowded for room between ROMANTIC GREEN and ON SHAN BRAVE, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, ON SHAN BRAVE became unbalanced and lost ground. STRIKING MASCOT was slow to begin and was then steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON WINNER. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, STRIKING MASCOT raced tight inside SPEEDY which was carried in by SUPREME GOLD. In the early and middle stages, SUPREME GOLD travelled wide and without cover. Near the 1200 Metres, WONDERFUL BLESSING was checked to avoid the heels of ROMANTIC GREEN which was checked away from the heels of SPEEDY. At the same time, DECAGONAL was checked and shifted out away from the heels of ROMANTIC GREEN and after this travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the turn at the 600 Metres, ON SHAN BRAVE and SPEEDY raced tight and bumped on several occasions due to SPEEDY endeavouring to shift out to go forward. After the 200 Metres, WONDERFUL BLESSING, which was closing the race off fairly, was shifted to the outside of STRIKING MASCOT to continue going forward. In the Straight, ROMANTIC GREEN hung in. Y T Cheng (SOUNDS FANTASTIC) said the riding instructions for the horse tonight were the same as at its most recent start. He said on both occasions SOUNDS FANTASTIC had drawn the outside barrier and he was instructed to ride the horse in front if possible. He said at the horse's most recent start on the All Weather Track, SOUNDS FANTASTIC began awkwardly as it had done previously and as a result he was not able to carry out his riding instructions. He said tonight SOUNDS FANTASTIC began fairly, he rode along vigorously in the early stages to ensure the instructions were carried out. He said after reaching the lead, SOUNDS FANTASTIC relaxed for him and was able to run the race to suit itself. Mr A T Millard, trainer of SOUNDS FANTASTIC, confirmed the riding instructions for the horse at its last two starts had been to go forward. He said SOUNDS FANTASTIC has drawn the outside barrier in its five most recent starts and as the horse had previously not been successful when being ridden in a rearward position, he felt it might be in the horse's best interest to experiment with a change in racing pattern. He said SOUNDS FANTASTIC's fitness has improved with recent racing and on the strength of this and its improved track work, the horse was given a strong chance in tonight's race by the stable. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SPEEDY, G Boss said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in a forward position, however, the horse began badly, he then rode along to improve his position in the early stages. He said as a result of this SPEEDY commenced to over-race and would not settle. He said the tempo of the middle stages of the race was in his opinion slow, however, he was not able to improve his position as he had runners to his outside. He said as a consequence of this he steadied SPEEDY away from the heels of WILD ACE near the 700 Metres. He said after this he endeavoured to shift out to improve his position, however, ON SHAN BRAVE was ridden along to hold its position on his outside. He said after this SPEEDY was not properly balanced making the turn after the 600 Metres and was inclined to hang out. He said as a consequence of these incidents SPEEDY failed to finish the race off. SPEEDY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY after the race did not show any significant findings. SOUNDS FANTASTIC and SUPREME GOLD were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 21 February 2008) SPEEDY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SPEEDY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O'Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SPEEDY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.