Recap by phillip woo

Split Of A Second came with a well-timed run down the outside from near last to edge Hard Promise for a second straight win. He's in the form of his life. Favourite Hard Promise did everything right but get the win following a box-seat run. He's a winner waiting to happen over this Valley trip at this level. Dollar Reward closed well from behind midfield to finish a close third. He's knocking on the door in recent runs over this Valley trip. The Createth stayed on reasonably well following a one-off run midfield to just miss a place spot. He had been coming around prior to a last-start failure with blood in his trachea. Gouten Of Garo kept on one-paced following a prominent run. He can produce an odd good run now and then. Good Companion had his chance following a handy run along the fence. He's well rated but has yet to find his legs in three starts this term. Naboo Star made ground late without menacing after badly missing the start.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (229) - JAPAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

After being loaded into the barriers, PERFECT TO PLAY reared and momentarily rested it left front foot over the front gate.

PERFECT TO PLAY was then corrected and stood satisfactorily until the start was effected at which time the horse reared abruptly, resulting in PERFECT TO PLAY losing a considerable amount of ground.

Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TO PLAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

NABOO STAR was very slow to begin.

Before being allowed to race again, NABOO STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.

ENERGETIC CLASS was crowded for room on jumping between GOOD COMPANION which shifted out and HARD PROMISE which shifted in after being bumped by BORNTOACHIEVE.

SUNNY DRAGON began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped THE CREATETH.

SUNNY DRAGON was then steadied to obtain cover.

From a wide barrier, SPLIT OF A SECOND was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Approaching the 850 Metres, HARD PROMISE was momentarily awkwardly placed inside BORNTOACHIEVE which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to HARD PROMISE.

Then passing the 800 Metres, HARD PROMISE was steadied away from the heels of BORNTOACHIEVE (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear.

Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Making the turn approaching the 600 Metres, SUNNY DRAGON got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE CREATETH.

Approaching the 300 Metres, HARD PROMISE and HARBOUR CENTURY raced tight as HARD PROMISE shifted to the outside of BORNTOACHIEVE to obtain clear running.

A veterinary inspection of ENERGETIC CLASS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that HARBOUR CENTURY had blood at its right nostril.

An endoscopic examination of HARBOUR CENTURY confirmed the horse to be a bleeder.

SPLIT OF A SECOND and HARD PROMISE were sent for sampling.