Recap by phillip woo

Simply Invincible held off raging favourite Pakistan Star after sweeping to the lead 230m out following a handy run to make it back-to-back wins under the guidance of Zac Purton. He's hitting the right note now and can head higher. Pakistan Star made up heaps of ground late after switching into the open 300m out but spotted the winner too much of a head start. The step to a mile wasn't an issue but he's still a work in progress at only three years of age. Cheeky Too ran another honest race but was no match for the top pair following a prominent run. He doesn't have too many points in hand. Lucky Girl grudgingly gave way after enjoying an uncontested lead. He might be near his mark. Gonna Run ran on well down the outside after settling third from the rear from a wide gate. He might have more to offer over a mile or 1,800m with a return to the Valley course where he was a double winner last term.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (202)-FAN LAU HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1600Metres

WHITE MAGIC was withdrawn on 19.11.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPREME PROFIT (D Whyte).

Before being allowed to race again, WHITE MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

PAKISTAN STAR was crowded for room on jumping between SERGEANT TITANIUM and JOLLY CONVERGENCE which shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider.

HAPPILABABY began only fairly and then was bumped by SUPREME PROFIT which shifted in.

From a wide barrier, HIGH AND MIGHTY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Also from the outside barriers, MERION and GONNA RUN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

S Clipperton (HIT THE BID) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1350 Metres he angled his mount in when not clear of SANTA FE SUN, resulting in that horse being taken in onto HAPPILABABY, causing both HAPPILABABY and SANTA FE SUN to be badly crowded for room.

S Clipperton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 11 December 2016 and to expire on Thursday, 15 December 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account S Clipperton's good race riding record.

Making the turn after the 900 Metres, HIT THE BID, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIMPLY INVINCIBLE.

At the entrance to the Straight, SANTA FE SUN raced in restricted room between MERION and PAKISTAN STAR (M Chadwick) which shifted out.

M Chadwick was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

For some distance after the 300 Metres, PAKISTAN STAR shifted out under pressure, resulting in M Chadwick changing his whip into his left hand near the 150 Metres.

PAKISTAN STAR then drifted in under pressure over the concluding stages.

Over the concluding stages, SANTA FE SUN was unable to properly establish clear running when attempting to improve into a tight run between MERION and PACKING LLAREGYB and consequently was not able to be fully tested.

For the majority of the race, PACKING LLAREGYB travelled wide and without cover.

A veterinary inspection of SANTA FE SUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of HAPPILABABY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

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

SIMPLY INVINCIBLE and PAKISTAN STAR were sent for sampling.