Recap by phillip woo

Universal Union settled nicely one off the fence behind midfield from a tricky gate, swung the final bend with two wider out and finished willingly to overhaul raging favourite Midnight Rattler 50m out for the win with a key drop in grade. Midnight Rattler eased back to sit three back and one off the fence following a good start, rounded the final bend four deep, advanced to a narrow lead 100m out and found one a touch too good in the end. Lotus Breeze finished nicely with one wider out after travelling fourth from the rear and three deep to inject some value into the tierce. Gonna Run finished nicely four deep after travelling near the inside behind midfield to secure a Quartet spot. He's crying out for a longer trip.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (286)-PAK TAM CHUNG HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1400Metres

On arrival at the barriers, K C Ng expressed concern regarding the action of NOBLE DELUXE when proceeding to the Start.

After examining NOBLE DELUXE, the Veterinary Officer reported that the horse was lame in its right hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of NOBLE DELUXE.

Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DELUXE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

DESMIOS, which was standing awkwardly, began only fairly.

BEAUTY KINGDOM and MIDNIGHT RATTLER bumped at the start.

From the outside barrier, WHO'STHEDUDE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

In the early and middle stages, ACCLAIMED LIGHT travelled keenly in the lead.

DESMIOS was steadied when held up for clear running passing the 400 Metres.

Close to the finishing line, METALLIC STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ACCLAIMED LIGHT and BEAUTY KINGDOM.

When questioned, G Benoist stated that it had been intended for LOTUS BREEZE to be ridden behind the speed if possible in about 3rd or 4th position.

He said shortly after the start LOTUS BREEZE was crowded for room between UNIVERSAL UNION and METALLIC STAR which was awkwardly placed inside PURE MOMENTUM.

He said rather than ride his mount along in an endeavour to assume a forward position, he felt it was best to shift across and race behind UNIVERSAL UNION, a horse which he considered to be a good chance in the race.

He said in the early part of the Straight he ensured that LOTUS BREEZE was properly balanced before placing the horse under full pressure near the 300 Metres.

He added LOTUS BREEZE initially quickened well, however, its run ended prior to the winning post.

When questioned, C Y Ho (GONNA RUN) stated that it had been his intention to shift to the outside of MIDNIGHT RATTLER in the early part of the Straight as it is felt that the horse finishes best when able to be positioned to the outside of horses.

He said however that GONNA RUN was reluctant to shift out and therefore he was obliged to attempt to obtain clear running inside MIDNIGHT RATTLER.

He said when attempting to improve to the inside of that horse, MIDNIGHT RATTLER shifted in in advance of GONNA RUN which resulted in GONNA RUN racing close to the heels of MIDNIGHT RATTLER over about the final 50 Metres.

He said because of this he was not able to fully test GONNA RUN over the concluding stages.

A veterinary inspection of THE RAINBOW immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, THE RAINBOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

UNIVERSAL UNION and MIDNIGHT RATTLER were sent for sampling.