Recap by phillip woo

Magnificent was much too good after hitting the front 250m out tracking the leader The Runner one off the fence. He had put the writing on the wall last start with a return to the Valley mile. Zhan Jiang Rocks just out-finished Racing Luck near the inside for second after making his run fourth last on the fence. It was a good effort after some solid form in Class Four. Racing Luck closed well from the rear to make it close for second. He's always a chance over this trip. Charizard ran on steadily to finish a non-threatening fourth travelling better than midfield. It was another honest effort. Well-backed late, Solar Wai Wai held his ground after a wide and without cover run better than midfield. He had an excuse. Craig's Star didn't have much left 100m out after chasing the speed with cover. He's likely on or near his mark after win over the 1,400m. Picken came up flat 100m out with his move from beyond midfield. He doesn't have much upside off his current mark.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (281) - MA WAN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1650Meters

ARCADA was withdrawn on 25.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left front fetlock) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ZHAN JIANG ROCKS (K Teetan).

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

MAGNIFICENT jumped in at the start and made contact with THE RUNNER.

From a wide barrier, RACING LUCK was shifted across behind runners soon after the start.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SOLAR WAI WAI was left racing wide and without cover.

When obtaining a narrow run between SOLAR WAI WAI and PICKEN passing the 200 Metres, RACING LUCK brushed the hindquarters of PICKEN.

When questioned, A Badel stated that, from its awkward barrier, he was instructed to ride WAR ROOM in accordance with the manner in which the horse began.

He said if WAR ROOM showed good early speed, he should find cover forward of midfield, however, if the horse began only fairly to settle behind midfield but with cover.

He said as WAR ROOM began only fairly, he promptly decided to steady the horse to obtain cover.

He said whilst WAR ROOM was required to race three wide throughout the event, it at all times had cover and he anticipated that the horse would close off well when placed under pressure.

He said WAR ROOM did not respond to his riding over the latter stages of the race and was disappointing.

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

A veterinary inspection of FLYING QUEST and TANGMERE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

PICKEN, MAGNIFICENT and ZHAN JIANG ROCKS were sent for sampling.