Recap by phillip woo

Diego Kosta shot to the front 150m out after enjoying a lovely run behind the leaders Ocean Roar and Circuit King and drew clear for third career win from 21 starts. He had everything go right from a good gate but the step back to the 1,000m might be a new avenue of riches. Radiant Steed closed off well following a handy run for second 20m out to build on back-to-back wins on the dirt despite a rise in class. He's really come into his own and might be able to head higher. California Aspar finished well to grab third on the wire after a prominent run along the fence in his best run from five following a switch to the Valley. He's headed in the right direction and might prefer 1,200m on this course. Circuit King was hustled to try and lead at all costs from a wide gate but could only share the front with Ocean Roar and was on his tippy toes 100m out. He'll be hard to run down from a proper gate over the 1,000m or 1,200m at this track. Favourite Diamond Master closed off all right two from the right after a deep run beyond midfield from gate 10. Like the latter, he'll certainly be hard to beat if he can draw a gate. Ocean Roar is ready to return to the winner's circle over this trip in Class Four with a claimer's allowance in play. Our Hero only got by beaten rivals down the outside after a patient ride fourth from the rear.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (622)-THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB TROPHY (HANDICAP) - Class 3 - 1000Metres

OUR HERO, COLOURFUL ACHIEVER and SANGRIA began only fairly.

TRIUMPHANT JEWEL and CIRCUIT KING bumped at the start.

This resulted in TRIUMPHANT JEWEL becoming unbalanced, shifting in and bumping DIAMOND MASTER.

TRIUMPHANT LIGHT then shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CIRCUIT KING which became badly unbalanced.

After this, TRIUMPHANT JEWEL was left racing wide and was consequently steadied to obtain cover.

From a wide barrier, RIGHT HONOURABLE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

After being aggressively ridden in the early stages, DIAMOND MASTER was steadied near the 950 Metres to obtain cover.

OUR HERO lost its right front plate at the 900 Metres.

After the 900 Metres, PERFECT CHOICE was bumped by CALIFORNIA ASPAR which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIEGO KOSTA.

Approaching the 800 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RADIANT STEED which shifted out.

RIGHT HONOURABLE and DIAMOND MASTER bumped passing the 600 Metres.

Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, PERFECT CHOICE was hampered when crowded for room between RADIANT STEED and CALIFORNIA ASPAR which got its head on the side and shifted out.

DIAMOND MASTER, which was following, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of PERFECT CHOICE in consequence.

Rounding the Home Turn, PERFECT CHOICE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CALIFORNIA ASPAR.

Over the concluding stages, RIGHT HONOURABLE was unable to obtain clear running and had to be checked off the heels of CIRCUIT KING.

Consequently, RIGHT HONOURABLE was not able to be tested.

Throughout the race, RADIANT STEED travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, B Prebble stated that he felt PERFECT CHOICE'S run was better than it might have appeared.

He said although PERFECT CHOICE trialed well at Happy Valley prior to its first race start, he believed that, under race conditions, the horse is still immature and would benefit from racing.

A veterinary inspection of PERFECT CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of OUR HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

DIAMOND MASTER, DIEGO KOSTA and RADIANT STEED were sent for sampling.