RACE 8 (503)

Slowly away, raced at rear throughout, never a factor.

Incident Report
Bumped at the start. Making the Home Turn was bumped by CHATEAUNEUF and shifted in when it became unbalanced. Sent for sampling post-race.

Moderately away from a wide draw, raced at rear, 5 lengths or so back turning in, made no progress in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Sent for sampling post-race.

Shifted out at start, positioned 1 out 1 back, wider turning in, finished off strongly to score by a head.

Incident Report
No report.

Began well from the widest draw, raced in midfield on the outside, 4 lengths or so back turning in, made minor progress in straight.

Incident Report
Jumped awkwardly.

Taken back from a wide draw, raced towards rear on outer, 5 lengths or so back turning in, made minor progress in straight.

Incident Report
From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Over the concluding stages could not be ridden out to the finish when racing in restricted room between CHATEAUNEUF and LUCKY EIGHT.

Jumped with them, raced behind midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, made good progress early in straight, no extra final 100M.

Incident Report
The Stewards inquired into an incident making the Home Turn where CHATEAUNEUF shifted to the outside of SPORTS LEGEND and made contact with BEAUTY INFINITY for some distance thereafter. After considering all the evidence, the Stewards determined that H Bowman, the rider of CHATEAUNEUF, was entitled to improve to the outside of SPORTS LEGEND and as he did so CHATEAUNEUF and BEAUTY INFINITY made contact which then resulted in BEAUTY INFINITY shifting in and crowding the running of CHATEAUNEUF shortly after. CHATEAUNEUF then raced in restricted room between SPORTS LEGEND and BEAUTY INFINITY between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres where it was steadied when crowded between SPORTS LEGEND (H T Mo) and BEAUTY INFINITY (B Avdulla), both of which shifted ground. Both H T Mo and B Avdulla were advised to exercise more care. Over the concluding stages was then not able to be ridden to the finish when placed close to the heels of BEAUTY INFINITY.

Made contact at start, raced in 2nd, 2 wide, there to turn, took the lead 200M, kept on well but unable to hold off the winner final 50M, just beaten by a head.

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Jumped well, raced 3 wide slightly better than midfield, no cover for the majority of the race, peaked early in straight, weakened gradually inside final furlong.

Incident Report
Approaching the 100 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of CHATEAUNEUF to continue into clear running.

Moderately away from gate 1, positioned a length behind the leader on rail, angled out 350M, finished off evenly.

Incident Report
After the event, A Atzeni stated that from a wide barrier his instructions were to ride his mount in a conservative manner in the early stages. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued and stated that with WRITTEN CASA stepping up in class tonight he was of the opinion that from a wide barrier this was the best option for the horse to allow it to finish the race off in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Began only fairly, raced in midfield on the inside, 2 wide from 350M, finished off well to take a place.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly, shifted out and made contact with BEAUTY INFINITY. Near the 700 Metres was eased when being crossed by LUCKY EIGHT. Near the 200 Metres was disappointed for clear running between YOUNG ARROW and POSITIVE SMILE, both of which shifted out slightly.

Average to begin, sent forward to race prominently, took the lead near 700M, led by 1/2L turning in, peaked and headed 200M, weakened thereafter. (See Racing Incidents.) (Blood in trachea.)

Incident Report
After the event, M Chadwick stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the lead but gave ground when under pressure in the Home Straight and he could offer no explanation in relation to its performance. Trainer W K Mo stated that, in his opinion, CALIFORNIA TOUCH was not suited by SPORTS LEGEND being positioned to its outside throughout the early and middle stages of the event, particularly with the race being run slightly inside of standard time through those sections of the race. He also stated that CALIFORNIA TOUCH may have been disadvantaged by this being its second start after a long break from racing. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CALIFORNIA TOUCH was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA TOUCH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. <13/3/2025 Additional Veterinary Report> CALIFORNIA TOUCH, which performed disappointingly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. CALIFORNIA TOUCH was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer W K Mo this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, CALIFORNIA TOUCH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.