28/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

CALIFORNIA ARGENT began only fairly and lost its right front plate at the start. TEAM FORTUNE began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, MEGA HEART was badly hampered and CEREFINO also hampered when crowded for room between DRAGON PIONEER and LUCKY GUY which, after being bumped by EAGLE, then shifted out. This resulted in CEREFINO losing ground and being shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, FEARLESS FIRE was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start to obtain cover. When being steadied to obtain cover behind TEAM FORTUNE, MEGA HEART commenced to prove very difficult to settle approaching and passing the 800 Metres and got its head up on a number of occasions. When being shifted in behind TEAM FORTUNE passing the 700 Metres to obtain cover behind that horse, MEGA HEART, which was continuing to race ungenerously, became badly unbalanced when racing very close to the heels of TEAM FORTUNE which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CALIFORNIA ARGENT. After the 700 Metres, CALIFORNIA ARGENT raced wide and without cover and then in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MONEY BOY, K Teetan stated that after being slow to begin MONEY BOY was then bumped by CALIFORNIA ARGENT which shifted in. He said he had to ride MONEY BOY along for some distance in order to obtain a forward position after beginning poorly. He said after being momentarily crowded for room inside SIMPLY BIG passing the 800 Metres, MONEY BOY travelled only fairly and after coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of MONEY BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, it was reported that TEAM FORTUNE had sustained a cut to the outside of the left hind cannon. A veterinary inspection of MEGA HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA ARGENT immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a laceration to the inside of the right front heel. EAGLE, DRAGON PIONEER and STORM SIGNAL were sent for sampling. <29/10/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>CALIFORNIA ARGENT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time he noted the horse to have sustained a laceration to the inside of the right front heel. CALIFORNIA ARGENT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA ARGENT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.