Recap by phillip woo

Early favourite Ever Strong finished nicely to overhaul Excel Delight 50m out for the win after a one-off run better than midfield. He relished a return to the AWT 1,200m dropping in class. Excel Delight found one too good after hitting the front 100m out settling boxset from a tricky gate. He's run well in defeat on both surfaces in his past three starts following a downgrade. Super Fun stayed on well for a placing after a prominent run near the fence. It was one of his better runs in a while with a switch to the dirt. Post-time favourite Mr Magellan closed well from midfield to snatch fourth but was no match for the top three. The distance was too short. Nice Fandango knocked up 100m out after finding the front from a wide gate. Demons Rock gradually faded over the last 150m after stalking the speed from an awkward gate. He's limited. La Bomba never came on from behind midfield. He's better suited sprinting on the turf.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (305) - VENTRIS HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

LA BOMBA, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed.

ROCHFORD lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room inside NICE FANDANGO which shifted in.

Then despite being ridden along, ROCHFORD failed to muster speed and raced well back in the field.

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

The performance of ROCHFORD, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable.

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

BANDY lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between SUN FOXHUNTER and MR MAGELLAN which shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUPER FUN.

Passing the 1100 Metres, LA BOMBA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of EVER STRONG.

At the entrance to the Straight, EXCEL DELIGHT and DEMONS ROCK brushed.

Then passing the 300 Metres, DEMONS ROCK was bumped by EXCEL DELIGHT which shifted to the outside of NICE FANDANGO to improve.

Near the 250 Metres, CALLING THE SHOTS was momentarily steadied away from the heels of MR MAGELLAN which shifted out under pressure.

Throughout the race, SUNNY MAJOR travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, M F Poon stated that it was intended for DEMONS ROCK to be ridden in a midfield position with cover.

He said DEMONS ROCK began well and he was left racing wide in the early stages, therefore he allowed his mount to improve to race closer to the rail in a more forward position than had been anticipated.

After the race, H N Wong (NICE FANDANGO) reported that his mount was making an abnormal breathing noise during the race.

A veterinary inspection of NICE FANDANGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Also after the race, S de Sousa informed the Veterinary Officer that MR MAGELLAN, which lay out under pressure in the Straight, did not feel comfortable in its action during the race.

A veterinary inspection of MR MAGELLAN immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg.

Before being allowed to race again, MR MAGELLAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of LA BOMBA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

MR MAGELLAN, EVER STRONG and EXCEL DELIGHT were sent for sampling.