Recap by phillip woo

Money was spot on for Ambitious Heart who never looked back after clearing Fantastic Fabio for the lead at the 900m from a low draw. He might find things harder at the top of the grade when next stepping out. Captain Boss just held off Applause for second after quickening nicely following a one-off run behind midfield. He's come to hand in recent runs and can salute at any moment. Applause just failed to get up for second after straightening widest out following a deep run worse than midfield. It was a solid first run for his new trainer and it'll pay to follow him next time out. Fantastic Fabio stuck around for a Quartet spot after handing up the lead. He needed the run and should give a better sight next time out. Mr Picasso ran on steadily without menacing following a midfield run. It wasn't his day but he's clearly capable of winning races at this level. Favourite Victory Power only plodded with every chance following a handy run on the fence.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (32) - HING MAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

APPLAUSE shifted in at the start and bumped AMBITIOUS HEART which in turn got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in MR PICASSO and VICTORY POWER being inconvenienced.

TRUE GRIT began awkwardly.

LOVE CHUNGHWA was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

Approaching the 1100 Metres, CAPTAIN BOSS raced tight between JUNZI which shifted in and APPLAUSE which shifted out when racing tight outside AMBITIOUS HEART.

Throughout the race, I'M THE CONQUIST travelled wide and without cover.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of U Rispoli (FANTASTIC FABIO), 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

The Stewards questioned U Rispoli, the rider of FANTASTIC FABIO, regarding his riding in the early and middle stages.

U Rispoli stated that he was instructed to ride FANTASTIC FABIO positively in the early stages and obtain the lead if possible as the horse had previously raced well when ridden in this manner.

He said however that he was told that if another runner was intent on leading, it was acceptable for him to take a trailing position in those circumstances.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode FANTASTIC FABIO along in the early stages to ensure that he crossed VICTORY POWER which was racing on the rail.

He said making the turn near the 1000 Metres he commenced to steady his mount in order to cross VICTORY POWER without having to make too much use of his horse.

He said when he did this he received a call from the rider of VICTORY POWER and he therefore allowed FANTASTIC FABIO to improve its position further forward of VICTORY POWER so as to cross that horse.

He said approaching the 900 Metres as he was crossing VICTORY POWER, AMBITIOUS HEART improved its position to be racing to the outside of FANTASTIC FABIO.

He said whilst he intended at this time to retain the lead, AMBITIOUS HEART was travelling strongly to his outside and he felt that he would have had to ride his mount along in order to prevent AMBITIOUS HEART from crossing FANTASTIC FABIO.

He added he felt that it was in FANTASTIC FABIO's best interests not to be ridden along at this stage of the race and engage in a speed battle with AMBITIOUS HEART which, in his opinion, continued to travel strongly.

He said he therefore elected to allow AMBITIOUS HEART to cross FANTASTIC FABIO at the 800 Metres and obtain a trailing position behind that horse.

After considering the relevant sectionals of tonight's race and the manner in which he had ridden the horse previously, in particular when he rode it from a similar barrier over the course and distance when the horse retained the lead, the Stewards informed U Rispoli that, in their opinion, he had erred in not making more of an attempt to retain the lead inside AMBITIOUS HEART.

U Rispoli was told to ride his mount in such a manner so as to obtain the most advantageous position given the circumstances of the race and the horse's established racing pattern.

VICTORY POWER, AMBITIOUS HEART and CAPTAIN BOSS were sent for sampling.