20/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

On jumping, NOBLE SILENCE was taken across behind runners. With the intention of being ridden quietly due to the anticipated fast tempo of the race, DR POSSI was taken across behind runners in the early stages. MASTER GUNNER was a little slow to begin, then lost further ground when checked as a result of being crowded for room between MY LUCK and LUCKY MONEY which shifted out. VICTORY TREASURE and NOBLE HEART began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, MY LUCK was taken back to a position with cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE HEART was steadied when awkwardly placed between NOBLE SILENCE which was hard ridden to improve on its inside and VICTORY TREASURE which shifted in when not quite clear. No action was taken. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE HEART was again steadied when awkwardly placed between NOBLE SILENCE and MY LUCK which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. MASTER GUNNER, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE HEART. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, LUCKY MONEY hung in. From on straightening until after the 200 Metres, NOBLE HEART had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the early part of the Straight, GOAL KEEPER hung in. Approaching the 200 Metres, MASTER GUNNER, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted to the outside of JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE, which was giving ground, was checked when crowded for room between LUCKY MONEY which shifted out and VICTORY TREASURE which shifted in while improving into a narrow run on the inside of HIGH INTELLIGENT. In the circumstances, no action was taken. For some distance after the 200 Metres, CALIFORNIA BISHOP was checked and carried back through the field when disappointed for running inside CLASSA SUPREME which was giving ground. F Coetzee (JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE) said he had been instructed to ride the horse behind the leaders in what was anticipated to be a strongly run race. He said he jumped JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE out of the barrier to go forward, however, did not ride along to do so. He said JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE immediately commenced to pull its way forward and raced to the outside of CLASSA SUPREME. He said as CLASSA SUPREME crossed to the rail near the 1300 Metres, he endeavoured to steady JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE to obtain a trailing position behind that horse. He said JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE continued to race keenly and it was not possible for him to restrain his mount to obtain that position. He said after the 1200 Metres he considered allowing JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE to go forward and cross CLASSA SUPREME, however, as he did this CLASSA SUPREME maintained its position on the inside.  He said JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE continued to over-race and as a consequence the tempo of the race was quicker than he would have liked. HIGH INTELLIGENT and VICTORY TREASURE were sent for sampling.