Recap by phillip woo

Odds-on favourite Rapper Dragon sustained his run from behind midfield after hitting the front 200m out to win in a good time and stamp himself as the favourite to land the Derby and sweep the Triple Crown for four year olds. Pakistan Star hit the line strongly after coming from a distant last to grab second 50m out. He appreciated the patient tactics in a suitably run race but should acquit himself well in the up-coming Derby. Seasons Bloom closed off well after travelling fifth from the rear for a placing. It was a good run but do believe he'll be a specialist at a mile. Eagle Way was ridden for luck from a wide gate and was letting down nicely to snatch fourth in the shadows of the post. He's crying out for the Derby's 2,000m distance. Firming late at odds California Whip had his chance following a handy run along the fence but came up flat in the last 100m after hitting the front 250m out. The trip was a bit too far. My Darling kept on all right following a prominent run in his first start beyond 1,400m. He's more effective over the 1,400m or possibly a mile. Winner's Way worked too hard finding the front from a tricky gate and was yielding ground 250m out. He had excuses as did Beauty Generation, who wasn't suited going forward in a swiftly run race.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (433)-THE HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP - Restricted - 1800Metres

MY DARLING shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER CHIC.

PAKISTAN STAR was crowded for room on jumping between DINOZZO and WESTERN EXPRESS which was taken out by WINNER'S WAY.

From wide barriers, WESTERN EXPRESS, PAKISTAN STAR and EAGLE WAY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 1700 Metres, PRAWN BABA raced tight inside SEASONS BLOOM which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAPPER DRAGON.

H Bowman (DINOZZO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in which resulted in SEASONS BLOOM being bumped and becoming unbalanced when unnecessarily hampered.

H Bowman was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 1 March 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 9 March 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

For some distance after this incident, SEASONS BLOOM and DINOZZO raced tight.

Making the turn after the 900 Metres, PRAWN BABA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALIFORNIA WHIP.

Near the 750 Metres, DINOZZO raced close to the heels of RAPPER DRAGON.

Near the 300 Metres, BEAUTY GENERATION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MY DARLING due to both horses shifting ground.

The performance of SUPER CHIC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

SEASONS BLOOM lost its right front plate after passing the winning post.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BEAUTY GENERATION, Z Purton stated that at its last start it was felt that BEAUTY GENERATION had not been advantaged by racing in a midfield position in what turned out to be a slowly run race.

He said as it was anticipated that today's race may be run in a similar manner, he was asked to have BEAUTY GENERATION in a more forward position and it was hoped that the horse would be able to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode BEAUTY GENERATION along in the early stages to obtain a forward position and after the 1400 Metres was able to obtain a position outside SUPER CHIC.

He said WINNER'S WAY then progressed forward of BEAUTY GENERATION to take the lead which resulted in the tempo of the race after the 1600 Metres being faster than had been anticipated.

He said whilst the tempo of the race slackened after the 1200 Metres he felt that the early work that he had done on BEAUTY GENERATION resulted in the horse not being able to travel comfortably.

He added BEAUTY GENERATION came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and was disappointing.

He said, in his opinion, BEAUTY GENERATION is better suited being ridden where it is comfortable as the horse had raced well in Hong Kong when ridden in that manner.

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

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WESTERN EXPRESS, B Prebble state that his mount travelled well in the early stages and even after becoming unbalanced when bumped by DINOZZO passing the 1200 Metres still travelled comfortably albeit the horse did not have cover until the 700 Metres.

He said having regard to the manner in which WESTERN EXPRESS travelled in the early and middle stages, he expected the horse to finish off the race well, however, WESTERN EXPRESS came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then did not respond to his riding in the Straight.

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

A veterinary inspection of WINNER'S WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

RAPPER DRAGON and PAKISTAN STAR were sent for sampling.