Recap by phillip woo

Victorious Leader quickened strongly two from the right to grab long-time leader Tigerlad on the wire for the win after settling near last from the widest gate. Tigerlad did everything right but get the win after a well-rated run in front carrying a feather weight. He had put the writing on the wall last start on the dirt. Exponents closed well for a placing after a deep with cover in midfield. He's always a chance at this level and the booking of Zac Purton was a positive move. Roman Odyssey stayed on a non-threatening fourth after a one-out, one-back run. He rarely produces a bad run sprinting over this course. Favourite Aurora Steed came up one-paced over the final 150m following a box-seat run. He's limited. Gouten Of Garo was yielding ground 100m out after stalking the speed from a wide gate. It was a better effort with a return to Class Five. Fox Cheunger came up one-paced after a midfield run. It was a below par performance.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (653) - SIU MA SHAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of ROMAN ODYSSEY.

ROMAN ODYSSEY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

TIGERLAD shifted out at the start and bumped ROMAN ODYSSEY.

TIGERLAD then became unbalanced after being crowded for room between ROMAN ODYSSEY and AURORA STEED which shifted out.

Shortly after the start, EXPONENTS and SPEEDY MISSILE bumped.

SPEEDY MISSILE was then crowded for room a short distance later between EXPONENTS and GOUTEN OF GARO which shifted in.

DR LUCKY STAR was steadied away from the heels of EXPONENTS in consequence.

From the outside barrier, VICTORIOUS LEADER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Near the 1100 Metres, FLYING NOBLE, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ROMAN ODYSSEY when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.

Near the 850 Metres, SHOW MISSION, which was racing wide, was bumped by EXPONENTS which was taken out by FOX CHEUNGER.

After this, when racing very wide, SHOW MISSION was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover behind EXPONENTS, however, was unable to obtain cover due to VICTORIOUS LEADER improving to its inside.

Then passing the 650 Metres, SHOW MISSION and VICTORIOUS LEADER raced tight.

Passing the 800 Metres, ROMAN ODYSSEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOUTEN OF GARO (B Shinn) which shifted in when not quite clear.

B Shinn was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance in future.

When racing wide and without cover, FLYING MONKEY travelled keenly after the 800 Metres.

Over the concluding stages, SPEEDY MISSILE was held up for clear running and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.

In the Straight, FLYING NOBLE raced with its head on the side and lay in under pressure.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FLYING NOBLE had bled from both nostrils.

Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover.

A veterinary inspection of AURORA STEED, FLYING MONKEY and FOX CHEUNGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of SHOW MISSION immediately following the race revealed the horse to be displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, SHOW MISSION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

AURORA STEED, VICTORIOUS LEADER and TIGERLAD were sent for sampling.