Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Bella Baby came on strongly from last at one point after switching inside for a clear run 350m out to grab victory 70m out. He relished a return to the course and distance of a win in September. Punted late Noble Desire ran on well for second after getting held up for a run from the 450m to 300m travelling midfield near the far side. He's made a good impression in back-to-back runs following a downgrade. Rank outsider Xiang Lan Qi kept on third best after surging to the lead in the middle of the track from behind midfield at the 300m. It was clearly his best run to date following a move to blinkers at his 10th start. Viva Mama ran on well from near the rear on the stands side to fill the frame. He's shown improvement in his past three runs following a downgrade. Second favourite Super Kin made a mild bid to just touch off long-time leader Tigerlad for fifth travelling worse than midfield near the grandstand side.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (276) - SUNFLOWER HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1000Meters

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SHANGHAI POWER had lost its right front plate.

This plate was refitted.

SHANGHAI POWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

CHARITYDREAM lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly.

MONEYMORE and XIANG LAN QI bumped at the start.

After the 600 Metres, FOX CHEUNGER and GREAT SON raced in restricted room between SUPER KIN and TINKER BELLE which shifted out slightly.

Then passing the 400 Metres, GREAT SON was checked away from the heels of TINKER BELLE which continued to shift slight ground as it came under pressure.

After the 400 Metres, MONEYMORE was checked when crowded for room between FOX CHEUNGER which initially shifted in slightly and made contact with MONEYMORE and NOBLE DESIRE (Apprentice C L Chau) which shifted out.

Apprentice Chau was reprimanded and advised that although the Stewards were satisfied that for some distance prior to this incident, he was in an awkward position racing outside the heels of CHARITYDREAM which was inclined to lay out, nonetheless in similar circumstances he would be expected to make more of an effort to keep his mounts straight and prevent causing interference to other runners.

After the race, Z Purton stated that IRON KING came under pressure near the 400 Metres and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race.

He said the only excuse he could make for the horse's performance was that it was racing first up today from a break.

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

Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FOX CHEUNGER had bled from both nostrils.

Following the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CHARITYDREAM at the request of Trainer C W Chang.

The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

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

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

BELLA BABY and NOBLE DESIRE were sent for sampling.