02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2

ROCKET HAMMER began only fairly. EVEN KEEL, which was standing awkwardly as the start was effected, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. THE JOY OF GIVING shifted in at the start and brushed SALTO OLIMPICO. From the outside barrier, STAR WIN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Rounding the Home Turn, JOLLY FOREVER was inconvenienced by EVEN KEEL which shifted in away from the heels of SALTO OLIMPICO. At the entrance to the Straight, PRESIDENT STAR and WONDER WIN brushed. Passing the 300 Metres, EVEN KEEL was shifted in from behind SOCKET ELITE to obtain clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, PRESIDENT STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SALTO OLIMPICO which was awkwardly placed outside SOCKET ELITE. When questioned, A Badel (GO BALLISTIC) stated that passing the 700 Metres he commenced to shift out to follow WONDER WIN as that horse improved into a three wide position. He said he felt that at this time WONDER WIN was travelling well and would take him into the race. He said as he shifted out behind WONDER WIN, that horse was taken wider by PRESIDENT STAR which shifted to the outside of SALTO OLIMPICO. He said when WONDER WIN was taken into a four wide position, he intended to improve to the inside of that horse, however, EVEN KEEL improved its position quickly into tight running between GO BALLISTIC and JOLLY FOREVER and for this reason he was not able to shift in. He added GO BALLISTIC was then left flat-footed passing the 500 Metres, however, after shifting to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn finished off the race satisfactorily. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY FOREVER and YOU HAVE MY WORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TREASURE CHEST, WONDER WIN and SOCKET ELITE were sent for sampling.