Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Star Majestic travelled fore of midfield with cover three deep, got shuffled back to have only two behind him entering the final bend with three to his outside, switched off heels at the 200m and quickened nicely thereafter to win going away 60m out. Safari Magic led easily from a middle gate, was headed at the 750m by Manipulation, reclaimed the front 500m out and grudgingly gave way late. Endorsing went back from an outside gate, circled the field to get to third at the 650m and kept on gamely for a placing. He's come right in back-to-back runs and won't be far off a winning run. Tom's Charm settled around midfield and one off the rails, had to balance up after copping a sharp bump three deep at the 200m and ran on steadily to wear down Genuine Champion for a Quartet spot. Genuine Champion had every conceivable chance on the back of the speed and was one-paced over the final 150m. Well-punted late, Unbeatable Guts was posted without cover near the speed, swung the final bend with two wider out and couldn't find another gear under pressure over the final 200m. China Delight saved ground worse than midfield, cornered one off the fence and gave up the chase after getting badly hampered 200m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (315)-EDINBURGH HANDICAP - Class 4 (Special Conditions) - 1650Metres

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The Stewards were notified by Dr T S M Wan, Head of Racing Laboratory, that a pre-race urine sample he had analysed earlier today was found to contain the prohibited substance phenylbutazone and its metabolites.

It was subsequently established that the relevant sample was taken from SOUTHERN SPRINGS, a declared runner in this race.

After informing Mr C S Shum, the trainer of SOUTHERN SPRINGS, of the analyst's findings, the Stewards acceded to a request from him to withdraw SOUTHERN SPRINGS from this race.

Accordingly, SOUTHERN SPRINGS was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

Further, urine and blood samples were subsequently taken from SOUTHERN SPRINGS under post-race conditions.

The matter was now adjourned until a date to be fixed.

As the start was effected, MANIPULATION, which was fractious in the stalls, lifted its front feet off the ground and made heavy contact with the outside of its stall, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground.

Before being allowed to race again, MANIPULATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOM'S CHARM was steadied away from the heels of SAFARI MAGIC.

Rounding the Home Turn, CHINA DELIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENUINE CHAMPION.

After the 300 Metres, TOM'S CHARM was shifted in away from the heels of MANIPULATION to obtain clear running.

Then approaching the 200 Metres, TOM'S CHARM became unbalanced when bumped heavily by MANIPULATION which, when commencing to give ground, got its head on the side and shifted in away from ENDORSING (N Rawiller) before being taken in marginally by that horse.

CHINA DELIGHT, which was racing to the inside of TOM'S CHARM, blundered when being checked in consequence.

N Rawiller was advised that whilst the racing manners of MANIPULATION had initiated the incident by wanting to lay in away from ENDORSING, nonetheless he had permitted his mount to shift in which had also contributed to the incident.

N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Near the 100 Metres, ENDORSING momentarily raced in restricted room between STAR MAJESTIC and SAFARI MAGIC which shifted out under pressure.

For the majority of the race, WINNING APEX travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.

When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been asked to ride AMBITIOUS GLORY in about a midfield position as the horse was attempting the 1650 Metres for the first time in its career.

He said he was asked to ride the horse more patiently than had been the case over shorter distances to ensure that AMBITIOUS GLORY would be able to see out the distance of the race.

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

STAR MAJESTIC and SAFARI MAGIC were sent for sampling.