Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Eroico jumped nicely to settle one-out, one-back, cornered four deep and quickened well to take control 150m out for the win after an eye-catching Valley debut. Elite Spirit stalked the leader Double Dragon one off from gate nine, assumed the front 250m out and kept on gamely to give the Quinella some value. Thunder Flyer settled three back and one off the rails, swung the final bend with three wider out and ran on nicely. Double Dragon grudgingly gave way after being ridden along to lead from a middle gate. Snow Slider was one-paced after a rail's run in fourth. Precious Gem made some ground near the inside. Bold Stitch was another to pull back some ground five deep after making his run outside Precious Gem. Late-fancied newcomer, Silver Mission was handy without cover the entire trip.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (178)-LION ROCK HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Metres

When proceeding to the barriers, A Suborics was dislodged from BRIGHT STAR.

BRIGHT STAR then completed a circuit of the course riderless.

Acting on the advice from the Veterinary Officer that BRIGHT STAR was not suitable to race, it was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

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

A Suborics was subsequently examined by the Club's medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements.

On the way to the Start, SLEDGE HAMMER was reported to have been kicked by a lead horse.

On arrival at the barriers, SLEDGE HAMMER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who found the horse to be suitable to race.

THUNDER FLYER proved difficult to load.

Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER FLYER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.

BEST HOPE and BOLD STITCH bumped at the start.

Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, EROICO and SNOW SLIDER raced tight due to EROICO being steadied to avoid the heels of ELITE SPIRIT (U Rispoli) which shifted in when not properly clear.

U Rispoli was severely reprimanded and advised that he is expected to be two lengths clear when shifting ground in future.

BEST HOPE, which was following EROICO, was hampered in consequence and shifted in slightly, resulting in PRECIOUS GEM being momentarily crowded for room.

Making the turn in the middle stages, SLEDGE HAMMER hung out badly.

Before being allowed to race again, SLEDGE HAMMER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend.

Rounding the Home Turn, EROICO and SILVER MISSION raced tight as EROICO shifted out to obtain clear running.

After the race, D Whyte reported that SILVER MISSION had made an abnormal breathing noise during the race.

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

When questioned regarding the performance of FRUITFUL CHAMPION, B Prebble stated that it had been hoped, from barrier 12, that he may be able to obtain a position in midfield with cover, however, due to the circumstances of the race, he was required to settle back further than had been hoped which resulted in FRUITFUL CHAMPION racing behind midfield.

He said making the first turn FRUITFUL CHAMPION got its head on the side and hung out which it continued to do rounding the turns.

He added although FRUITFUL CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of SURE PEACE near the 300 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this time and, in his opinion, was disappointing.

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

The performance of, FRUITFUL CHAMPION, a favoured runner for today's race, was considered unacceptable.

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

EROICO and ELITE SPIRIT were sent for sampling.