Recap by phillip woo

Glorious Avenue sat one off in second, assumed the front Natural Team 750m out, cornered two lengths on top and kept up a strong gallop to land a betting move in his Valley debut. Mellifluent landed a nice spot one-out, one-back, straightened with three wider out and ran down Chin Chun in deep stretch for second. Chin Chun had every chance following a prominent run along the rails. Late-fancied favourite Natural Team was headed for the lead 750m out, straightened four deep and was only one-paced over the last 100m. Geronimo Meadow made ground near the inside after travelling third from the rear. Debutant Born To Race stayed on reasonably well three deep after a one-off run in behind midfield. How Speedy ran on without menacing after travelling at the tail of the field. Specked late, Sea Warrior made some ground without threatening with one wider out after settling deep near the back. Early favourite Lyric Ace recovered to midfield mid-race but had already blown his chance after hopping in the air. Sumarand Dragon faltered badly after being posted near the speed without cover.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (030)-OI MAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Metres

As the start was effected, LYRIC ACE lifted its front feet off the ground, began awkwardly and consequently lost ground.

CHIN CHUN began awkwardly.

From the outside barriers, SEA WARRIOR and HOW SPEEDY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, EXPEDITE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of LYRIC ACE.

For a considerable distance after the 900 Metres, LYRIC ACE proved difficult to settle.

Making the turn near the 550 Metres, NATURAL TEAM (G Mosse) was checked away from the heels of GLORIOUS AVENUE (K C Ng) which, after shifting in when just clear, then steadied in the lead.

The Stewards accepted the evidence of G Mosse that his mount's racing manners had a significant bearing on the incident taking place, nonetheless K C Ng was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground and that he makes every endeavour to ensure that his mounts do not steady unnecessarily in the lead, thereby making it difficult for horses which are following.

In this incident, CHIN CHUN, which was following NATURAL TEAM, was hampered in consequence.

In the early part of the Straight, TOUCH GO lay in.

Also in the early part of the Straight, NATURAL TEAM got its head on the side and lay out under pressure.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUMARAND DRAGON was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and had bled from both nostrils.

Before being allowed to race again, SUMARAND DRAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

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

NATURAL TEAM, GLORIOUS AVENUE and MELLIFLUENT were sent for sampling.