18/04/2018  Happy Valley  Race 4

RAY’S CALL shifted out at the start and bumped CLEAR CHOICE which in turn shifted out and bumped SPLIT OF A SECOND. MASTER VIKING was slow to begin and then was steadied away from the heels of BEST RUNNER which shifted in. MASTER VIKING was then ridden along to obtain a more forward position and near the 1150 Metres was awkwardly placed behind BEST RUNNER. MASTER VIKING subsequently travelled wide and without cover. From wide barriers, VICTORY POWER and JUNZI were steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, RAY’S CALL momentarily raced in restricted room between HEARTS KEEPER and CLEAR CHOICE, both of which shifted ground. For some distance approaching and passing the 900 Metres, BEST RUNNER was awkwardly placed behind PEACE N PROSPERITY (J Moreira) which, after obtaining the lead near the 1000 Metres, was steadied. J Moreira was reprimanded and warned against the practice of steadying the tempo of races too abruptly. Near the 900 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER, which was following BEST RUNNER, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse in consequence. For some distance after the 850 Metres, ALL MY GAIN got its head up when awkwardly placed behind CLEAR CHOICE. After the 150 Metres, JUNZI raced tight inside RAY’S CALL which shifted in. Approaching the 100 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER and ALL MY GAIN raced tight. Over the concluding stages, RAY’S CALL was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JUNZI. For the majority of the race, INVESTOR BOOM travelled wide and without cover. M Chadwick, the rider of VICTORY POWER, the 4th placegetter, was spoken to regarding his having a number of glances to his outside when riding that horse out in the Straight. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that M Chadwick had properly tested his mount at all stages in the Straight, he was advised that such actions drew unnecessary attention and as such he was warned against this practice. After the race, Z Purton stated that after beginning awkwardly and losing ground, ALL MY GAIN did not travel strongly throughout the race and after coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of ALL MY GAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CLEAR CHOICE and SPLIT OF A SECOND were sent for sampling.