04/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

SUPER GENKI was withdrawn on 3.2.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CRYSTAL (C K Tong). Before being allowed to race again, SUPER GENKI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NOBLE SILENCE, HOLIDAY SUN and SUPER GOAL MASTER were slow to begin. After the 1200 Metres, NOBLE SILENCE commenced to over-race and near the 1000 Metres was steadied away from the heels of WAIT FOR ME. From on straightening until after the 200 Metres, WAIT FOR ME was held up and unable to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, HOLIDAY SUN got its head on the side and hung out. Throughout the race, ELFHELM travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé (REAL SPECIAL), which was dropping back in distance tonight from 2200 Metres, explained he had been instructed to ride his mount from a wide barrier in a rearward position. He said REAL SPECIAL had performed well when racing near the rear over a longer distance at its most recent start. He said in accordance with those instructions he allowed REAL SPECIAL to drift back in the early stages. He said REAL SPECIAL initially relaxed well with cover, however, when the tempo of the race steadied near the 1100 Metres, REAL SPECIAL got its head up and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WARM EMBRACES. He said REAL SPECIAL continued to prove difficult for him to settle into the Back Straight. He said near the 700 Metres when the tempo of the race continued to be in his opinion slow he shifted REAL SPECIAL out to a position without cover and gradually commenced to improve. He said making the turn at the 600 Metres he was carried wider by SUPER GOAL MASTER. He said after the 400 Metres he placed REAL SPECIAL under pressure, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. He said the manner in which the race was run did not suit REAL SPECIAL. ELFHELM and REAL SPECIAL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ELFHELM and REAL SPECIAL after the race did not show any significant findings. JUGGERNAUT and WARM EMBRACES were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MULTO EXPRESSO had lost its right front plate.