Blue Diamond fancy Palm Angel faces third vet test, favourite Field Of Play passed fit, Icarian Dream scratched

A leading Blue Diamond chance must pass a third and final vet inspection while a Ciaron Maher runner has been scratched.

Palm Angel must pass a third and final veterinary inspection on Saturday to contest the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

The Jason Warren-trained Group 2 Blue Diamond Fillies’ Prelude winner displayed a change in gait upon first mandatory vet inspections on Thursday.

Palm Angel “showed some improvement” when reassessed on Friday but not enough to get the green light.

RV vets on Friday cleared favourites Field Of Play and Cherish Me after their respective second examinations.

However, Icarian Dream, trained by Ciaron Maher, was withdrawn by stewards on veterinary advice after she did not show the “necessary improvement” in gait.

Horses are hand walked and trotted up on a firm even surface during the vet inspections.

Physical examinations and stored vision of past trot-ups help a team of vets to identify any changes in a horses’ action.

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Field Of Play is $5 favourite for the Blue Diamond from Cherish Me ($5.50), Tempted ($7), My Gladiola ($8) and Palm Angel ($8.50).

Geelong Diamond (1100m) debut winner Cherish Me looms as an intriguing contender going into the race five weeks’ between runs.

Reigning Blue Diamond winner Jamie Melham, who rode Cherish Me for the first time in a recent jumpout, said the “push-button” filly boasts similar attributes to Hayasugi last year.

“I really like this horse,” Melham said.

“I like the lead up, not doing much and still being on the fresh side.

“She stands up and has maturity like Hayasugi last year, she was talented, very talented but the easiest horse to ride, a push-button horse.

“This horse gave me a similar feel when I jumped her out the other day.

“Such a beautiful horse to ride, very quiet, you can put her wherever you want.”

Cherish Me has the perfect draw, barrier six, one outside favourite Field Of Play.

All other Blue Diamond hopefuls assessed on Thursday, including Lindsay Park pair Tycoon Star and Miss Celine, Devil Night, trained by team Hawkes, and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained The Playwright, were passed suitable to race on Saturday.

Meanwhile, champion jockey Blake Shinn, slated to ride Field Of Play in the Blue Diamond and other key mounts on the Caulfield card, is expected to be right to go on Saturday.

An apologetic Shinn withdrew from commitments on Friday night at The Valley to focus on recovery.

“Not feeling (100 per cent) so decided to withdraw from riding at Moonee Valley tonight,” Shinn said.

“Sorry to all my connections and everyone concerned. I hope to return to racing tomorrow at Caulfield.”

Originally published as Blue Diamond fancy Palm Angel faces third vet test, favourite Field Of Play passed fit, Icarian Dream scratched