Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Plain Blue Banner settled midfield along the fence, angled into the clear five deep at the 400m and finished well to collar Everyone's Choice in the final few metres for the win following a positive run on opening day. Well-punted late, Everyone's Choice rolled forward from a wide gate to narrowly lead one off the rails, cornered a half-length on top, got nearly two lengths clear at the 300m and found one too smart in the end. It was a nice run in defeat and he'll be erasing his status as a maiden in due time. Champion Ranger held the rails underneath Everyone's Choice, stayed to the inside upon straightening and kept plugging away to hold a placing. He'll improve with a step up in distance. Floral Man was able to slot in three deep with cover in midfield from an outside alley, swung the final bend with two wider out and was doing his best work late. Viva Guy was posted three deep with cover third from the rear, had only one wider out at the head of the straight and ran on reasonably well.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (050)-XIAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1400Metres

The Stewards today interviewed Mr T P Yung, the trainer of TAI PO FORTUNE, as to the circumstances regarding that horse being mistakenly treated with an anti-ulcer treatment on raceday morning.

TAI PO FORTUNE was withdrawn this morning after Mr Yung advised that the horse had been treated.

Also interviewed were Mr C K Tsang, assistant trainer, and Mr K W Chan, head lad.

Mr Yung pleaded guilty to having breached Rule 50(2) in that as the person responsible for all matters pertaining to the running of his stable, he failed to prevent TAI PO FORTUNE from being mistakenly treated with an anti-ulcer treatment on raceday morning.

In the circumstances, the Stewards believed it was appropriate for Mr Yung to be fined the sum of $20,000.

Mr Chan was advised that a transcript of today's inquiry together with a report into the circumstances of this matter would be forwarded to Stables Management for its consideration.

PLAIN BLUE BANNER began only fairly.

EVERYONE'S CHOICE and CARE FREE ELEGANCE began awkwardly.

ALLEY-OOP and BORNFREE were slow to begin.

TELECOM TOP STAR was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.

Also from a wide barrier, OPTIMIZATION STAR was taken across behind runners in the early stages.

EVERYONE'S CHOICE proved difficult to settle in the early stages.

Passing the 1100 Metres, KING ON EARTH, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of AMAZING GIFT.

Approaching the 800 Metres, ALLEY-OOP momentarily raced in restricted room inside FLORAL MAN.

Near the 550 Metres, AMAZING GIFT (K C Leung) became unbalanced after being bumped by PLAIN BLUE BANNER (D Whyte) which shifted to the outside of KING ON EARTH.

D Whyte was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

K C Leung was also spoken to regarding his right elbow extending away from his body during this incident.

He was reminded of his obligation to ensure he does not extend his elbow away from his body when racing tight with other runners.

Then rounding the Home Turn, PLAIN BLUE BANNER and AMAZING GIFT continued to race tight as PLAIN BLUE BANNER shifted out further into clear running.

For the majority of the race, CARE FREE ELEGANCE travelled wide and without cover.

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

PLAIN BLUE BANNER and EVERYONE'S CHOICE were sent for sampling.