Recap by phillip woo

Nashashuk hit the front 150m out following a handy run along the fence and just held off the fast-finishing debutant Empire Star to open his win account at start six. He's naturally come to hand and looks ready to raise the bar higher. It was an eye-catcher by Empire Star who missed the kick by two lengths and closed off strongly when shifting into the open 200m out. He appears to have a bright future and will get a further trip in time. Firming favourite Royale Elegance was given every chance one-out, one-back by Joao Moreira and only held his ground over the last 100m. He's honest but will continue to be risky at short odds if he doesn't gain rating relief. Master Viking kept on better despite getting pestered for the lead by Lyric Ace to finish level for fourth. He may be near a bottom. Go-Getter ran on steadily off a lightweight following a rails run behind midfield. He has dropped plenty in the handicaps and looks an interesting player up to a mile if he decides to step out next in a Class Five contest. Never Better was hampered 180m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (493)-THE EBENEZER SCHOOL & HOME FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED 120THANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec2) - Class 4 - 1200Metres

As the start was effected, STARLOT reared abruptly, resulting in its rider, D Whyte, being dislodged.

STARLOT remained in the barrier stalls and took no part in the race.

Before being allowed to race again, STARLOT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

EMPIRE STAR was slow to begin.

ROYALE ELEGANCE was crowded for room on jumping between GOLDEN ACHIEVER and LYRIC ACE which shifted out.

GOLD VELVET and ST YAZIN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.

After initially being ridden along from the outside barrier, NEVER BETTER was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

Making the turn passing the 1000 Metres, CHEERFULJET got its head on the side and lay out.

Passing the 900 Metres, GOLDEN ACHIEVER was steadied away from the heels of CHEERFULJET (O Doleuze) which, when racing greenly, shifted in.

O Doleuze was advised that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that CHEERFULJET was proving somewhat difficult to manage at this time, nonetheless he must ensure that he is properly clear of other runners when shifting ground.

After the 800 Metres, CHEERFULJET continued to race greenly and lay out and then after the 700 Metres hung out.

CHEERFULJET continued to hang out and proved difficult to ride until after straightening.

The racing manners of CHEERFULJET, which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, were considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, CHEERFULJET will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend.

Rounding the Home Turn, NEVER BETTER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLDEN ACHIEVER which shifted out.

Passing the 200 Metres, EMPIRE STAR, which was having its first race start, shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in GOLDEN ACHIEVER being hampered when bumped and taken out onto NEVER BETTER which was also inconvenienced.

After this, EMPIRE STAR continued to lay out under pressure.

Over the concluding stages, GO-GETTER was unable to be properly tested due to being awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROYALE ELEGANCE.

A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN ACHIEVER and CHEERFULJET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

ROYALE ELEGANCE, NASHASHUK and EMPIRE STAR were sent for sampling.