Recap by phillip woo

The well-backed Our Creed kept up a good gallop after straightening three lengths on top leading from gate six for a first win at his 21st start. He got a race run to suit but had gone all right in a few earlier runs over this course and distance. Charizard just got up to snatch second ahead of Hang's Choice after a prominent run one off the fence. He had been knocking on the door. Hang's Choice came from midfield to just miss the quinella spot. It was his best run to date from 12 starts. Ho Ho Junior kept on all right after getting posted deep early on chasing the speed from a tricky gate. It was a better effort with a step up to a mile trip. Jolly Honour came with a ducking-and-weaving run from near last to finish next best. He had run well for seconds in two prior starts and just gave them too much of a head start from gate 12. Moonluck held his ground after a handy run one off the fence. He's honest but limited. Favourite Smiling Face ran on without threatening after making his run two from the rear. He's not a prolific winner and was under the odds. All Is Ready was disappointing after getting all the favours in the box seat.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (455) - UN CHAU HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

Whilst being transported to Happy Valley, QUORUM became fractious.

On arrival at Happy Valley, QUORUM was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who said that the horse had sustained multiple abrasions over the body and was lame in its right front leg and as such was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, QUORUM was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

Before being allowed to race again, QUORUM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

BLAZING SUN jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

From the outside barrier, JOLLY HONOUR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 1500 Metres, SMILING FACE, which raced keenly in the early stages, shifted out, resulting in BLAZING SUN being steadied away from that runner's heels and then shifting to the inside of SMILING FACE.

Near the 1300 Metres, BLAZING SUN commenced to race keenly when being crossed by HANG'S CHOICE.

BLAZING SUN then continued to race keenly for a short distance thereafter.

Making the Home Turn, HANG'S CHOICE shifted out to improve, resulting in MOONLUCK being taken out and near the 300 Metres made contact with MOONLUCK, resulting in MOONLUCK becoming slightly unbalanced.

Approaching the 100 Metres, CHARIZARD and HANG'S CHOICE bumped due to both runners shifting ground, resulting in CHARIZARD becoming unbalanced.

Near the 50 Metres, JOLLY HONOUR was directed to the outside of HANG'S CHOICE to continue into clear running.

After the race, A Hamelin (FOXHUNTER WAY) reported that his instructions were to obtain cover.

He said after travelling a short distance when KARUIZAWA held its position to his inside, he was obliged to steady his mount initially to follow that runner, however, then when caught wide in the early stages, he elected to allow FOXHUNTER WAY to settle back towards the rear of the field to avoid racing wide.

Mr K W Lui, trainer of FOXHUNTER WAY, confirmed that his instructions tonight, from an outside barrier, were to ensure that FOXHUNTER WAY find cover.

He said due to the moderate pace of the race in the early stages FOXHUNTER WAY was left racing wide and was obliged to settle further back in the field than he had anticipated in order to find cover.

A veterinary inspection of FOXHUNTER WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Also after the race, L Hewitson could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of SMILING FACE.

He stated that SMILING FACE was under pressure from the 600 Metres and finished the race off only fairly.

A veterinary inspection of SMILING FACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

SMILING FACE, OUR CREED and CHARIZARD were sent for sampling.