Recap by phillip woo

California Joy took control 100m out after being ridden positively from a middle gate to stalk the leader Victory Marvel for a return to the winner's circle after disappointing in his past three starts. Fresh legs following a seven-week break might have brought about the turnaround. Thunder Stomp caught the eye yet again with a ducking-and-weaving run near the inside after a patient ride third from the rear to snatch second from Acclaimed Light despite a muddling pace. He'll be winning shortly over a mile or 1,800m at either course. Acclaimed Light kept on well after a box-seat run for a placing despite a return to Class Three. The switch to the Valley mile three runs back has turned his career around. Victory Marvel was swamped late after enjoying an uncontested lead. He just doesn't know how to run a bad race over the 1,200m or mile at this course. Early favourite Unicorn ran on without menacing after a midfield run in his first Valley start. He appears to have hit his mark in recent runs. Late-fancied favourite Land Grant only plodded after peeling into the open rounding the final bend following a rails run behind midfield. The pace went against him but it was another disappointing effort despite a drop in grade and stable change.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (330)-KAI YIP HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1650Metres

VANILLA was slow to begin.

From the outside barriers, LAND GRANT, THUNDER STOMP and WHAT ELSE BUT YOU were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Near the 1550 Metres, WHAT ELSE BUT YOU shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of THUNDER STOMP which became unbalanced.

Passing the 1200 Metres, THUNDER STOMP was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LITTLE ISLAND.

Passing the 400 Metres, HOME RUN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AMAZING AGILITY which was taken out by LAND GRANT.

Near the 150 Metres, THUNDER STOMP shifted in to obtain clear running inside ACCLAIMED LIGHT after being disappointed for running between that horse and UNICORN.

At the 100 Metres, LAND GRANT was shifted out away from the heels of HERO LOOK.

Near the 50 Metres, UNICORN got its head on the side and lay out.

When questioned, S Clipperton stated that when studying the form of LITTLE ISLAND, he had noted that the horse had raced well on some occasions when able to improve its position mid-race.

He said he felt the tempo of the race for the first half of the race was only fair and as he considered the two main chances to be VICTORY MARVEL which was leading and CALIFORNIA JOY which was racing outside the lead, he felt that it would be in LITTLE ISLAND's best interests to commence improving its position after the 800 Metres.

He said for this reason he shifted out from behind AMAZING AGILITY and let LITTLE ISLAND's momentum take it forward.

He said the horse was able to improve its position without too much use having to be made of it and although the horse raced in a three wide position, it travelled well and he was able to be closer to what he considered the main contenders in the race.

He added however that in the early part of the straight LITTLE ISLAND came under pressure and was then disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground.

When questioned, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, LAND GRANT was disappointing in tonight's race.

He said, from a wide barrier, he was able to obtain a good position in the race, however, LAND GRANT did not finish off the race as he expected it would and was disappointing albeit it was having its first start since late October.

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

A veterinary inspection of AMAZING AGILITY and HOME RUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

LAND GRANT, CALIFORNIA JOY and THUNDER STOMP were sent for sampling.