08/12/2021  Happy Valley  Race 8

CLASSIC POSH began only fairly. ASTROLOGER shifted out at the start and bumped RESOLUTE. RESOLUTE then became unbalanced and shifted in, resulting in ASTROLOGER being taken in onto WOOD ON FIRE which became unbalanced after being bumped by ASTROLOGER. HONG KONG BET shifted out at the start and brushed the hindquarters of GINSON. SEVEN HEAVENS shifted in abruptly at the start and bumped LIKE THAT. Despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, CALIFORNIA CIBLE was not able to muster speed and then in the middle stages became detached from the field. CALIFORNIA CIBLE was then eased out of the race prior to the 600 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CIBLE immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA CIBLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SHINING GEM raced tight inside WINNING METHOD which got its head on the side and lay in away from GINSON. Then passing the 1000 Metres, WINNING METHOD was steadied away from the heels of GINSON (J McDonald) which shifted in when not properly clear. J McDonald was reprimanded and told to ensure that he gives the required clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 850 Metres, RESOLUTE shifted in and bumped WINNING METHOD. WINNING METHOD then raced tight inside RESOLUTE passing the 800 Metres. After the 700 Metres, RESOLUTE was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, SHINING GEM was shifted out away from the heels of GINSON. Then passing the 300 Metres, SHINING GEM and SEVEN HEAVENS raced tight as SHINING GEM improved into restricted running between that horse and GINSON. Approaching the 250 Metres, WINNING METHOD was directed to the outside of RESOLUTE after being disappointed for running between that horse and SEVEN HEAVENS. After initially being directed to the inside of GINSON passing the 250 Metres, ASTROLOGER was shifted to the outside of that horse when disappointed for running between GINSON and HONG KONG BET which shifted out. After the 250 Metres, ELON was directed to the outside of WOOD ON FIRE to obtain clear running. Approaching the 50 Metres, RESOLUTE, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of ASTROLOGER which shifted out marginally. Close to the finishing line, WINNING METHOD was awkwardly placed behind WOOD ON FIRE. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD, ELON and SHINING GEM were sent for sampling.