17/09/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

EMBRACES, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 16.9.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore tendon). Before being allowed to race again, EMBRACES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the Start, B Prebble (WAIT FOR ME) expressed concern over the action of the horse. WAIT FOR ME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CHATER DE LAGO was slow to begin. BAYVIEW GREYSLEW began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped with SPARKLE which was crowded for room inside WAIT FOR ME. As a consequence, SPARKLE lost ground. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PUERTO RICO was steadied when crowded for room inside CHATER DE LAGO (D Beadman) which after being ridden to make up ground was shifted to the inside of MEATH which shifted in slightly. D Beadman was advised to exercise care. Shortly after passing the winning post on the first occasion, CHATER DE LAGO was steadied away from the heels of MEATH. Near the 1300 Metres, SPARKLE was crowded for room inside WAIT FOR ME which was carried in slightly by MEATH which shifted ground momentarily. At the 100 Metres, SPARKLE, which was commencing to close the race off fairly, was steadied when awkwardly placed inside ISTIDE which was giving ground. In the Straight, WAIT FOR ME and MEGA BULLET hung in. For the major part of the race, MEGA BULLET travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ISTIDE, E Saint-Martin said he had ridden the horse in its work in the lead up to tonight’s race and in his opinion this work was satisfactory. He said he was instructed to ride ISTIDE which was having its first start over 1650 Metres tonight in a forward position if possible. He said ISTIDE travelled reasonably in second position, however, was inclined to lay out making the first turn. He said in the middle stages of the race ISTIDE commenced to travel only fairly and came under pressure prior to straightening. He said ISTIDE did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. He said in his opinion ISTIDE did not run out the distance of tonight’s race when being ridden prominently. ISTIDE and ALL OUR WAY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ISTIDE and ALL OUR WAY after the race did not show any significant findings. WAIT FOR ME and VINTAGE GOLD were sent for sampling.