Recap by phillip woo

Late-fancied favourite Seasons Bloom made a sterling move after a deep run with cover behind midfield to win with something in hand. He had put the writing on the wall after a terribly unlucky first-up run and there's a lot more upside to come. California Whip produced a bumper debut but found one too smart following a one-out, one-back run carrying top weight. He's got a future in Hong Kong and will get further as well. A Beautiful couldn't gave a decent sight after finding the front from a wide gate but had to settle for third in the end. He hasn't been far off the mark in two recent outings at this level but is likely going to need a drop in grade for a return to the top. Jade Fortune finished well after travelling behind midfield to fill a Quartet spot. He's naturally coming to hand with racing and won't be too far off a winning run over this trip or possibly a mile. Diamond King had an off day when failing to let down following a midfield run despite a suitable rise in trip. Likely leader Kingsfield was posted deep without cover following a sluggish break from a wide gate and succumbed inside the final 200m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (239)-NATHAN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1400Metres

KINGSFIELD began only fairly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between VICTORY DAY which shifted in and HARD BALL GET which was taken out by A BEAUTIFUL.

SEASONS BLOOM was checked and CALIFORNIA WHIP crowded for room shortly after the start between EXCEL ONESELF and DIAMOND KING which shifted out abruptly.

Shortly after the start, SUNNY WAY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JADE FORTUNE.

Approaching the 1100 Metres, DIAMOND KING was momentarily crowded for room inside CALIFORNIA WHIP which was taken in by A BEAUTIFUL.

For some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, VICTORY DAY shifted ground on a number of occasions and got its head up when proving very difficult to settle.

Passing the 1100 Metres, HARD BALL GET proved difficult to settle and got its head up for some distance.

Passing the 300 Metres, HAPPY JOURNEY was shifted in away from the heels of EXCEL ONESELF.

When questioned regarding the performance of KINGSFIELD, D Whyte stated that after becoming badly unbalanced at the start, KINGSFIELD was able to take up a forward position without having to do too much work.

He said whereas KINGSFIELD had previously been proving difficult to settle in the lead, today the horse travelled comfortably in a position just behind the lead.

He said rounding the Home Turn KINGSFIELD got its head on the side and lay out and he was unable to prevent EXCEL ONESELF from shifting out away from the heels of A BEAUTIFUL.

He added KINGSFIELD came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and then, despite being ridden out, gave no response and did not appear to stretch out comfortably.

He said KINGSFIELD gave ground quickly after the 200 Metres and was disappointing.

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

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

After the race, O Murphy (FASHION MAESTRO) reported that his mount was making an abnormal breathing noise during the race.

A veterinary inspection of FASHION MAESTRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of FASHION MAESTRO, which also finished tailed out at its previous start, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, FASHION MAESTRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SEASONS BLOOM and CALIFORNIA WHIP were sent for sampling.