Recap by phillip woo

Newcomer Little Giant cruised to the lead under a nice hold at the 250m following a boxseat run and won with something in hand as the favourite. He had shown plenty of ability in his two New Zealand wins and has a very bright future. Green Card ran on from midfield to grab second. He's not a prolific winner but still has the ability to run a good race over the 1,200m and 1,400m. Pakistan Baby closed off well after peeling into the open with three wider out at the 350m following a patient ride fifth from the rear. He has been hitting the line well in recent starts and might be able to add to an earlier Class Four win with his favourite wet-track part of the season upon us. Star Of Joy had his chance after slotting perfectly one-out, one-back from a wide gate. Youngster's likely going to be a better runner next campaign. Invincible Fresh made some ground following a midfield run in an encouraging first run for his new trainer following a long break. He's better suited over the 1,400m. The Judge closed off better down the outside after travelling second from the rear in an encouraging second start despite a moderate pace. He's still acclimatising but isn't far off a big run, especially if he strikes a wet track.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (633)-INDIAN OCEAN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Metres

LOOK ERAS began awkwardly.

LOOK ERAS was then vigorously ridden along from a wide barrier, however, failed to muster speed and after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover.

DIAMOND DRAGON was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Near the 1050 Metres, PAKISTAN BABY raced in restricted room between ELITE SPIRIT and ARIZONA BLIZZARD which was racing tight inside GREEN CARD.

When being steadied after the 800 Metres in the lead, MR RIGHT commenced to travel keenly, got its head on the side and shifted out.

Near the 750 Metres, ELITE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INVINCIBLE FRESH.

Approaching the 300 Metres, EASY TOUCH was steadied away from the heels of THE JUDGE (O Doleuze) which shifted out.

O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground unless clear of other runners.

Near the 150 Metres, ARIZONA BLIZZARD got its head on the side, lay out and bumped LOOK ERAS which became unbalanced.

LOOK ERAS then shifted ground inwards abruptly, making further contact with ARIZONA BLIZZARD, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced.

When questioned regarding the performance of EASY TOUCH, H Bowman stated that as he was instructed to take up a forward position, he rode his mount hard in the early stages.

He said however that EASY TOUCH did not show early speed and as there were a considerable number of horses to his inside, he did not believe it was reasonable to continue on, therefore he elected to steady the horse to obtain a positon with cover after the 1300 Metres.

He said although EASY TOUCH had cover behind LOOK ERAS, the horse hung out making the first turn and then continued to lay out.

He added although EASY TOUCH had to be steadied approaching the 300 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this time and then did not respond to his riding thereafter.

A veterinary inspection of EASY TOUCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Before being allowed to race again, EASY TOUCH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of MR RIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

LITTLE GIANT and GREEN CARD were sent for sampling.