19/11/2014  Happy Valley  Race 2

As the start was effected, FOUR FOUR FIVE began awkwardly and lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, FOUR FOUR FIVE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. GOLDEN OSMANTHUS lost its left front plate on jumping. ENJOY THE GAME began awkwardly and after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. From outside barriers, HELEN’S CHOICE, KING’S FOLKS and HUMONGUS were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the entrance to the Straight, NO TIES was bumped on the hindquarters by HELEN’S CHOICE which shifted out to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, RED ADVENTURE was steadied when initially disappointed for running between GOLDEN OSMANTHUS and IT CAN ONLY BE YOU (A Atzeni) which got its head on the side and shifted in. A Atzeni, who was riding for the first occasion at Happy Valley tonight, was advised that in similar circumstances the Stewards would expect him to stop riding and straighten his mounts as soon as they commence to shift ground. Near the 200 Metres, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, which was weakening, was crowded for room by RED ADVENTURE which was taken in marginally by IT CAN ONLY BE YOU. Passing the 100 Metres, KING’S FOLKS and FOUR FOUR FIVE bumped. FOUR FOUR FIVE lost its left front plate after passing the winning post. When questioned regarding the performance of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, B Prebble stated that after being able to dictate the terms of the race in the lead, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS came under pressure at the 400 Metres and did not quicken as he expected. He said in the early part of the Straight, despite being ridden along, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was staying on only fairly and after being bumped by RED ADVENTURE near the 200 Metres, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS gave ground abruptly and was most disappointing. He added GOLDEN OSMANTHUS had performed similarly after racing well last season. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, which finished second at its first up run this season, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ENJOY THE GAME and HELEN’S CHOICE were sent for sampling.