Recap by phillip woo

Elite Boy kept up a strong gallop after cornering near three lengths on top to go wire-towire. He's a bleeder and first-up fresh was best. Favourite Prince Of Gems stayed on well for second after being restrained at the start to chasing the leader pair. It was another good effort on this surface but the big weight's proving a tough hurdle to clear. Punted late, Star Superior came on widest after a patient ride third from the rear to grab a placing. He's a winner waiting to happen in Class Five but can produce an odd good run in this grade. Strathclyde's move from better than midfield came up flat inside the last 100m. He needed the run. Backed late in betting, Casa De Forca came up one-paced with every chance following a prominent run on the fence. It was another honest effort but he's limited. Touch Of Luck failed to run on after a deep run without cover behind midfield the entire trip. He can be forgiven for this run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (42) - LAU FAU SHAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

XIANG LAN QI and CASA DE FORCA began only fairly.

JAZZ STEED shifted in at the start and was steadied away from the heels of STAR SUPERIOR.

VERY SWEET ORANGE and COBY WIN began awkwardly.

JOYFUL CONTENDER began awkwardly and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Making the turn after the 700 Metres, JAZZ STEED, which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover, got its head on the side and lay out.

For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, TOUCH OF LUCK was awkwardly placed inside the heels of JAZZ STEED (C Schofield) which shifted in.

Passing the 100 Metres, JOYFUL CONTENDER was crowded for room inside VERY SWEET ORANGE which initially got its head on the side and shifted in of its own accord before being taken in by BOND ELEGANCE which raced tight inside TOUCH OF LUCK which continued to be taken in by JAZZ STEED.

This resulted in BOND ELEGANCE being steadied approaching the 50 Metres.

C Schofield was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount.

Throughout the race, TOUCH OF LUCK travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, H W Lai reported that XIANG LAN QI made a significant abnormal breathing noise during the race.

A veterinary inspection of XIANG LAN QI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of XIANG LAN QI, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

After the race, H N Wong (VERY SWEET ORANGE) stated that in its previous starts on the All Weather surface the horse had been able to lead.

He said in today's race, despite being ridden along in the early stages, ELITE BOY showed more speed than VERY SWEET ORANGE and after being crossed by that horse after the 800 Metres, VERY SWEET ORANGE appeared to resent the kickback as it would not maintain its position behind ELITE BOY.

He said VERY SWEET ORANGE then did not finish off the race and weakened in the Home Straight.

A veterinary inspection of VERY SWEET ORANGE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

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

ELITE BOY and PRINCE OF GEMS were sent for sampling.