Recap by phillip woo

Plunged at the jump to start a clear favourite, Gentlemen did not panic when headed for the front 1,100m out, reclaimed the front 80m out and just held off Sweet Bean for a first win at his 15th start. He had been a big disappointment but a host of gear changes and the 10-pound claimer of Matthew Poon Ming fai was very helpful. Sweet Bean flashed home to make it close after travelling third from the rear to continue his solid form over the 1,800m on both surfaces this term despite a tonne of racing. Happy Friendship improved coming to the final bend following a midfield run to assume the lead 280m out and grudgingly gave way late. He is another who has been disappointing this term but does usually act best over this surface and trip. Holy Unicorn came on nicely down the outside after trailing the field to fill a Quartet spot. He's nothing special but seems to go best over the 1,800m. Consistent had no excuse following a handy run along the fence. He's better suited over the 1,650m. Noted Performer peaked on his run 150m out after getting shuffled back to have three behind him coming to the final bend following a sluggish break from a wide gate. He's improving but not quite there yet.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (690)-SILVERMINE BAY HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1800Metres

SWEET BEAN began only fairly.

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP and GENTLEMEN bumped at the start.

From wide barriers, HOLY UNICORN and ATOMIC BLAST were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Passing the 1500 Metres, DRAGON GLORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CONSISTENT.

FAITHFUL BOY travelled wide and without cover until passing the 1100 Metres.

Passing the 1100 Metres, VIVACIOUS WINNER was bumped by DIAMOND FRIENDS which shifted in.

Passing the 800 Metres, CHEERFUL FRAME was bumped and taken wider by VIVACIOUS WINNER which shifted out to improve.

Passing the 600 Metres, SWEET BEAN was held up behind DRAGON GLORY.

Approaching the 500 Metres, CHEERFUL FRAME and DIAMOND FRIENDS raced tight outside DRAGON GLORY which was taken out by CONSISTENT.

Passing the 500 Metres, FUN MANAGER raced tight between HAPPY FRIENDSHIP and GENTLEMEN which shifted out.

Near the 400 Metres, CONSISTENT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FUN MANAGER and then shifted out away from the heels of that horse, inconveniencing DRAGON GLORY.

After the race, J Moreira was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of NOTED PERFORMER.

He said the horse travelled satisfactorily in the race, however, after being placed under pressure did not finish off its race.

A veterinary inspection of NOTED PERFORMER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of ATOMIC BLAST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

GENTLEMEN and SWEET BEAN were sent for sampling.