17/12/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

CHATER SILK began awkwardly and lost ground, then shortly afterwards lost further ground when crowded for room between MELLIFLUOUS and MASTER GUNNER. VIKING TOR began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped MELLIFLUOUS, then despite being ridden along took time to muster speed and after the 1600 Metres was steadied when crowded for room between LOCAL POWER and MELLIFLUOUS which was also steadied away from the heels of MASTER GUNNER. As a consequence, VIKING TOR travelled further back than anticipated. In the early stages, WINBO travelled wide and without cover and after entering the Back Straight was ridden along to go forward and cross into the lead. After entering the Back Straight, MELLIFLUOUS was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance after straightening, FLUKE had difficulty obtaining clear running, then after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of HIGH INTELLIGENT to continue going forward. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, VIKING TOR was steadied when held up and unable to obtain clear running. In the Straight, HOLD HANDS hung in. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BULLISH WIN, which was racing with side winkers tonight in place of blinkers, E Saint-Martin was unable to offer any explanation. He said his mount travelled satisfactorily in a forward position as intended. He said however when placed under pressure after straightening BULLISH WIN did not respond to his riding and disappointed him by failing to close the race off. WARM EMBRACES was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of WARM EMBRACES after the race did not show any significant findings. WALKONTHEWILDSIDE and LOCAL POWER were sent for sampling.