Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Western Express got up in the nick of time after travelling worse than midfield following a slow beak to make it four wins from eight starts and remain three-forthree over this trip. He'll hold his own at group level up to a mile. New Asia Sunrise worked hard to sit second from a wide gate 1,100m out, assumed the front 300m out and wouldn't go down without a fight. He doesn't know how to run a bad race. Jolly Banner moved to third following a midfield run at 150m and just held off Keen Venture for a placing. It wasn't a bad run carrying co-top weight and he may require a claimer's allowance. Keen Venture was only a stride from placing and his late burst was good enough to nip People's Knight for fourth. He continues to knock on the door and might be worth a try at a mile. People's Knight closed off well from behind midfield but on his current mark is likely a stronger chance on the dirt where he is unbeaten in two starts. Both newcomers Beauty Way and Nassa produced positive runs late from amongst the backmarkers and will only get better over longer with more time to settle in.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (543)-TOLO HARBOUR HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1400Metres

BULLISH GLORY was slow to begin.

As the start was effected, WESTERN EXPRESS lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began only fairly.

BEAUTY WAY began only fairly and shortly after the start stumbled.

NASSA was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

BEAUTY WAY made the Home Turn awkwardly.

When questioned regarding the performance of SIMPLY INVINCIBLE, Z Purton stated that to overcome the horse's wide barrier he had been asked to ride it in a more forward position given that horses racing on the speed had been advantaged in earlier races.

He added it was felt that if the horse were to be ridden from off the speed, SIMPLY INVINCIBLE would be most likely required to travel wide and without cover.

He said after initially having to ride his mount along to clear PEOPLE'S KNIGHT to his inside, SIMPLY INVINCIBLE was able to obtain a forward position outside LUCKY GIRL in the early stages and then obtained cover when NEW ASIA SUNRISE crossed SIMPLY INVINCIBLE after the 1000 Metres.

He said SIMPLY INVINCIBLE travelled satisfactorily until making the turn after the 900 Metres at which time the horse appeared to be less comfortable in its action.

He said after the 500 Metres SIMPLY INVINCIBLE came off the bridle and then did not respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight.

He added after this SIMPLY INVINCIBLE came under heavy pressure and then weakened over the concluding stages.

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

WESTERN EXPRESS and NEW ASIA SUNRISE were sent for sampling.