Recap by phillip woo

Harbour Master settled three back along the fence, had only two beaten upon straightening and let down nicely one off the rails to take control 150m out for a third victory from his past four starts. Favourite Helene Super Star was posted deep until landing a spot one off with cover in third at the 1,200m, was tight for room coming to the final bend, straightened four deep and kept plugging away to finish a clear second. Noble Deluxe settled second from the rear and got rolling one form the outside to grab a placing 50m out. Bullish Boy was up vying for the lead with Sichuan Exec to his outside, stayed near the inside upon straightening and kept plugging away to add value to the Quartet. Royal Partner made a minor bid from midfield without menacing. Sichuan Exec never saw the rails while narrowly shading Bullish Boy for the lead, built a length margin coming to the final bend and was yielded ground 150m out. Jolly Victor didn't let down after travelling third from the rear. Instead of leading, Sunny Ying was posted without cover behind midfield, rushed forward to sit third at the 650m and was struggling soon after straightening. Travel Brand was a late-withdrawal.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (352)-CROOKED ISLAND HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1800Metres

GUN PIT was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence).

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

On arrival at the Start, A Suborics, the rider of TRAVEL BRAND, expressed concern regarding the horse's action.

Acting on advice from the Veterinary Officer that TRAVEL BRAND was lame in its right hind leg and as such was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

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

VICTORY MASTER was slow to begin.

NOBLE DELUXE, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly.

ROYAL PARTNER began awkwardly.

Approaching the 1300 Metres, HARBOUR MASTER raced tight inside ROYAL PARTNER.

After the 1200 Metres, SUNNY YING was left racing wide and without cover.

At the 450 Metres, HELENE SUPER STAR improved into tight running between BULLISH BOY and SUNNY YING, resulting in HELENE SUPER STAR racing in restricted room between those horses.

Passing the 450 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE shifted out and bumped VICTORY MASTER.

At the entrance to the Straight, JOLLY VICTOR and NOBLE DELUXE bumped.

When questioned regarding his riding of SICHUAN EXEC, K Teetan stated that from the outside barrier he had been asked to ride the horse positively in the early stages due to its light weight.

He said it was anticipated that BULLISH BOY and SUNNY YING would take up forward positions and he should attempt to obtain a position behind these runners if possible, however, if either one of those horses did not go forward as anticipated, then he should not hesitate in allowing his mount to race either outside or in the lead.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SICHUAN EXEC positively in the early stages and when SUNNY YING did not show sufficient early speed, he rode his mount forward so as to sit outside BULLISH BOY in the lead passing the winning post on the first occasion.

He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he believed that BULLISH BOY was not being ridden to hold the lead and therefore he allowed his mount to improve with a view to possibly crossing to lead on the rail.

He added when BULLISH BOY continued to race to his inside, he allowed SICHUAN EXEC to race to that horse's outside as he did not want to fight the horse and restrain it unduly even though he was aware that the race was being run at a fast tempo.

K Teetan was reprimanded and advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his ride on this occasion lacked judgement and that he should endeavour to rate his mounts so that they are able to finish off their races as best as possible under the circumstances.

A veterinary inspection of SUNNY YING and JOLLY VICTOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

HARBOUR MASTER and HELENE SUPER STAR were sent for sampling.