23/12/2015  Happy Valley  Race 2

BALTIC WARRIOR began awkwardly. GOLDEN PARTNERS was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. From wide barriers, GOOD FIT and CALIFORNIA CHERISH were shifted across behind runners soon after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PENNY LANE was steadied to avoid the heels of THANKSGIVING (V Cheminaud) which shifted in when not properly clear. V Cheminaud was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 500 Metres, EXPEDITE and RAPID TRIUMPH bumped as RAPID TRIUMPH improved to the outside of the heels of BALTIC WARRIOR. GO-GETTER, which was racing to the outside of EXPEDITE, was forced wider as a consequence. Over the final 50 Metres, GOLDEN PARTNERS was awkwardly placed between THANKSGIVING and GOOD FIT which was taken in slightly by RAPID TRIUMPH and as a consequence could not be properly tested. EXPEDITE was inclined to lay in for the majority of the event. When questioned, D Whyte stated that when ridden in a more prominent position at its last start, CALIFORNIA CHERISH was somewhat disappointing, therefore it was decided to ride the horse more conservatively tonight from its wide barrier. He said after settling at the rear of the field, CALIFORNIA CHERISH was never travelling comfortably and did not respond to his riding over the latter stages. D Whyte was unable to offer any further explanation for the horse's disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CHERISH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PENNY LANE had sustained a cut to the outside of the left hind heel. A veterinary inspection of GO-GETTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GO-GETTER, KITAYA and BALTIC WARRIOR were sent for sampling.