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Havana Rey is expected to trial at Warwick Farm next week after the Bjorn Baker stable had no answer for his disappointing performance at the track last Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The four-year-old gelding started as odds-on favourite at Warwick Farm last Saturday in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1600m) however ran well below expectations when the first horse beaten behind eventual winner Thumbtacks.
A trot up in front of the stable veterinarian followed after the run with an endoscopic examination and blood samples also taken.
No issues have been found as of yet and results from blood samples taken will be made available to stewards later today.
Bjorn Baker’s Stable Foreman Jason Patrick indicated the horse has done well since the poor run and it is their intention to trial the gelding at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Havana Rey had recorded back to back minor placings heading into last Saturday’s Australian Turf Club Handicap (1600m).
On the advice of jockey Brenton Avdulla who partnered the gelding in his prior outing, Havana Rey was equipped with blinkers for the first time this preparation.
Last Saturday’s jockey Glyn Schofield reported immediately after the race his mount refused to settle up front and suggested the gear be removed.
The effect of blinkers this preparation is completely opposite to what transpired when equipped last campaign.
On that occasion Havana Rey posted back to back wins at Warwick Farm with a pair of front-running performances each over a mile.
