Recap by phillip woo

Northern Beaches got up 20m out after a handy run in the centre of the track for a first win at his 10th start. He had been knocking on the door and was able to build on a luckless fifth last start. California Touch found one just too good after hitting the lead 200m out chasing the speed from a middle gate. It was a much better performance with a step back in distance at his second local run. Heroic Master stayed on well for third after a midfield run near the far side. It was another honest effort trying the straight 1,000m for the first time. Punted late Metro Warrior stayed on all right for fourth after making his run on the back of the leaders. It was a better run off a career low in the handicaps. Cheval Valiant grudgingly gave way after vying for the lead on the stands side. He rarely produces a bad run over the straight 1,000m. Specked late Must Go ran on without threatening from behind midfield after a tardy jump. Lucky Gor didn't find when push came to shove after a prominent run on the grandstand side. He couldn't build on an eye-catching third last start. Early favourite Packing Bole stopped badly after vying for the front.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine : (287) - HOI LAI HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1000Meters

Horse No 3 PACKING BOLE (H246) C L Chau After the race, C L Chau reported that his mount over-raced in the early stages and believed this was the reason why it failed to finish the race off.

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

The performance of PACKING BOLE was considered to be disappointing as compared to its previous race starts.

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

Horse No 4 KYEEMA (J055) Z Purton A little slow to begin and was then checked severely a short distance after the start when crowded for room between HERO MASTER which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider and CALIFORNIA TOUCH which was taken in by PACKING BOLE after both horses had made contact on the hindquarters.

When questioned, Z Purton stated that after suffering significant interference at the start, his mount lost considerable ground and given its best performances were over 1400 Metres when racing overseas, it then made up good ground inside the final 200 Metres once recovering from the interference early.

Horse No 5 SUMMIT CHEERS (E221) A Badel After the race, A Badel reported that from the awkward barrier he was required to ride his mount further back than anticipated and then when put under pressure inside the final 500 Metres SUMMIT CHEERS was reluctant to take runs between other horses and had some difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages.

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

Horse No 6 CHEVAL VALIANT (E336) K De Melo After the race, K De Melo reported that his mount proved difficult to ride out over the concluding stages when it lay in.

Horse No 7 CALIFORNIA TOUCH (J051) C Y Ho Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 8 LUCKY GOR (G217) K Teetan After the race, K Teetan reported that his mount travelled well in the early stages, but then failed to respond to his riding when placed under pressure inside the final 500 Metres.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

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

Horse No 9 KA YING POWER (H169) M F Poon Jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

Horse No 10 NORTHERN BEACHES (H266) L Hewitson Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 14 MUST GO (J133) A Atzeni After being loaded became fractious in the barriers and then was slow to begin.

Had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance after passing the 400 Metres.