Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Forza Avanti was given a perfect ride one off in midfield and took control 150m out for a maiden win at his 10th start. He's only come right in his past few starts and might be able to hold his own off a lightweight in a higher grade. If not, he'll be back in this grade and winning again. Idyllic Wind finished well from behind midfield to grab second. He's exposed but is always a chance from a good gate sprinting at the Valley in this grade. Treasure And Gold ran on travelling second from the rear to grab a placing in a vastly-improved run. The switch to the Valley appears to suit him. Old-timer Real Supreme only gave up in the final 100m after being posted deep without cover the entire trip. He might be able to get away with a race at this level. Showing Character was never on the track.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (095)-CHINESE BANYAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Metres

K C Leung (ALL TIMES LUCKY) was fined the sum of $3,000 for failing to declare a probable 2 lb overweight on the horse at the time of declaration.

TREASURE AND GOLD began only fairly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners.

From a wide barrier, ALL TIMES LUCKY was also shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.

Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, IDYLLIC WIND was steadied to obtain a positon closer to the rail.

After initially being ridden along from a wide barrier, KING OF SMARTS was left racing very wide making the turn near the 1000 Metres and was then steadied to obtain a positon nearer to the rail with cover.

ORIENTAL FANTASIA travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres.

Passing the 200 Metres, ALL TIMES LUCKY was steadied when crowded for room between NOBLE BUDDIES and REAL SUPREME, both of which shifted ground.

Approaching the 100 Metres, TREASURE AND GOLD was bumped on the hindquarters by NOBLE BUDDIES which was momentarily eased away from the heels of REAL SUPREME which shifted in under pressure.

When questioned, B Prebble (SHOWING CHARACTER) stated it was felt that tonight's race would be run at a good tempo and therefore the field may string out.

He said he was therefore asked to obtain a position with cover if possible, however, not to get too far out of its ground if circumstances permitted.

He said approaching the turn near the 1000 Metres it appeared as though SHOWING CHARACTER would be able to obtain a position with cover behind REAL SUPREME and outside FORZA AVANTI, however, SHOWING CHARACTER was racing too keenly and he was unable to get the horse to steady sufficiently to shift across behind REAL SUPREME.

He said this resulted in the horse racing very wide and without cover throughout the race.

He added it is his intention to suggest to connections that they may wish to consider removing the blinkers from SHOWING CHARACTER in its future starts to help the horse settle better as it is currently travelling too keenly in its races.

A veterinary inspection of SHOWING CHARACTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

N Rawiller stated that after having to have made considerable use of RUGBY DIAMOND in the early stages to cross to the lead after the 1000 Metres, the horse initially travelled very keenly and proved difficult to settle.

He said however that after the 800 Metres when ORIENTAL FANTASIA improved its position around RUGBY DIAMOND, his mount commenced to travel better, however, it shortened stride noticeably in the early part of the Straight and for this reason he eased it down over the final 200 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of RUGBY DIAMOND immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg.

Before being allowed to race again, RUGBY DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

FORZA AVANTI and IDYLLIC WIND were sent for sampling.