26/12/2019  Happy Valley  Race 2

OWNERS’ STAR began awkwardly. GIANT TURTLE shifted out at the start, inconveniencing ARCATRAZ which made contact with CLEMENT LEGEND. From wide barriers, STIMULATION and MAGNETISM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 1700 Metres, CLEMENT LEGEND momentarily raced tight inside TASHIDELEK. Rounding the Home Turn, OWNERS’ STAR and CLEMENT LEGEND were steadied when awkwardly placed behind CROWN AVENUE and between JIMMU and GIANT TURTLE. Approaching the 50 Metres, K Teetan (MAGNETISM) momentarily dropped his left rein. Throughout the race, GIANT TURTLE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, A Badel stated that he was asked to ride JIMMU, which was stepping up to 2200 Metres tonight, in a prominent position with the option of leading if circumstances permitted. He said in the early stages both WIND GLIDER and OWNERS’ STAR were ridden along to maintain their positon to the inside of JIMMU and as he had established a margin over those horses, he elected to allow JIMMU to stride forward and assume the lead. He said when no other runner challenged JIMMU for the lead, he was content to maintain the lead on the horse and JIMMU appeared to travel comfortably for him. He said when he commenced to ride JIMMU along from the 500 Metres, the horse lay in and came under heavy pressure before the Home Turn. He added JIMMU then weakened in the Straight and proved disappointing. A veterinary inspection of JIMMU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WIND GLIDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CROWN AVENUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. TASHIDELEK, CLEMENT LEGEND and STIMULATION were sent for sampling.