Recap by phillip woo

Mac Row was patiently ridden early on from a wide gate in a slow race, circled the field to park outside the leader Oscar Miracle 1,050m out, claimed a narrow lead 400m out and kept up a strong gallop for a third career win with a key return to the Valley. Plunged at the jump to start favourite, Monsieur Mogok settled one off the fence in midfield, swung the final bend with two wider out and finished well to run down Oscar Miracle in the shadows of the post for second. Oscar Miracle dropped the anchor working to the lead from a wide gate at the 1,450m, was pestered for the lead to his outside by Mac Row at the 1,050m and grudgingly gave way in the run to the wire. Real Generous finished up nicely near the inside after travelling third from the rear. Early favourite California Cherish only plodded with every chance following a one-out, one-back run. Rapid Triumph made some ground without menacing four deep upon straightening after making his run second from the rear from an awkward gate.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (219)-HIBISCUS HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1800Metres

ROYAL SPIRIT shifted in at the start and bumped INDIGO WAY.

From the outside barrier, RAPID TRIUMPH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 1700 Metres, ROYAL SPIRIT and CALIFORNIA CHERISH were crowded for room inside OSCAR MIRACLE (K C Leung) which shifted in before being straightened.

K C Leung was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to show more care than he did on this occasion.

For some distance after the 1200 Metres, MONSIEUR MOGOK, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALIFORNIA CHERISH.

For some distance after the 600 Metres, KING BOUNTIFUL was checked away from the heels of LOVING STAR which gave ground abruptly.

When KING BOUNTIFUL shifted out away from the heels of LOVING STAR near the 500 Metres, RAPID TRIUMPH and AGIAAL were hampered and taken wider.

A veterinary inspection of LOVING STAR immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

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

After the race, B Prebble advised that ROYAL SPIRIT did not feel comfortable in its action.

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

The performance of ROYAL SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

For the majority of the race, CASH COURIER travelled wide and without cover.

D Whyte stated that due to an anticipated lack of pace, it was decided for CALIFORNIA CHERISH to be ridden in a more forward position than had previously been the case.

A veterinary inspection of CASH COURIER and INDIGO WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

MAC ROW and MONSIEUR MOGOK were sent for sampling.