Recap by phillip woo

Thumped late in betting, Yo-Yo Da went straight to the front and kept up a strong gallop for the win after putting the writing on the wall in three-of-four starts this term. He should remain competitive in the middle of the class after this outing. Winning Boy was the forgotten one from a wide gate but Joao Moreira executed well to land a spot in midfield with cover and finished best of all to grab second. He'll be hard to beat when landing a proper gate over the 1,200m at either course. Never Better finished well down the outside after settling behind midfield from a wide gate to snatch a placing. He's consistent but doesn't have too many points in hand. Superior Boy had his chance tracking the speed one off the fence but like previous positive outings at this level was again anchored by the weight. Favourite Master Steed came to win it at the 150m following a dream run but came up one-paced over the final 50m. He's capable but not reliable.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (225)-INVERNESS HANDICAP (Sec2) - Class 4 - 1200Metres

O Murphy (YO-YO DA) was fined the sum of $2,000 for presenting himself to be weighed out with the incorrect saddle cloth number.

EASTERN PROWESS began only fairly.

From the outside barrier, NEVER BETTER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, EMPEROR VICTORY got its head up and shifted out towards the heels of SUPERIOR BOY (O Doleuze) which was shifting in when not properly clear.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the racing manners of EMPEROR VICTORY had contributed to this incident, O Doleuze was nonetheless reprimanded and told to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Making the turn near the 950 Metres, NEVER BETTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING BOY.

Near the 450 Metres, EMPEROR VICTORY was steadied when crowded for room between HAPPY FIERY DRAGON and MASTER STEED (N Rawiller) which shifted out marginally around the heels of SUPERIOR BOY.

N Rawiller was advised that whilst the amount of ground he shifted was not great, nonetheless it had the effect of placing EMPEROR VICTORY in restricted room.

N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Over the final 50 Metres, NEVER BETTER raced tight outside WINNING BOY.

Throughout the race, HAPPY FIERY DRAGON travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned, D Whyte state that, from barrier 11, it had been intended for SMILING GLORY to be ridden in a forward position.

He said as the start was effected SMILING GLORY lifted its front feet off the ground and was then awkwardly placed inside the heels of NEVER BETTER which began well from the outside barrier.

He said due to the manner in which SMILING GLORY began and its position in the field shortly after the start, he did not believe it was in the horse's best interests to be ridden along and therefore he shifted SMILING GLORY across behind runners in the early stages.

He added he was able to follow NEVER BETTER in the run, however, SMILING GLORY did not show the same turn of foot rounding the Home Turn and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race.

After the race, it was reported that MASTER STEED had sustained an overreach wound to the outside of the right front heel.

A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE DOUBLE and RED SUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performances of DOUBLE DOUBLE and RED SUN, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable.

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

MASTER STEED, YO-YO DA and WINNING BOY were sent for sampling.