Recap by phillip woo

Specked at long odds, Contentment was headed twice for the lead_ first by Stormy Atlantic 900m out and then Helene Paragon at the 250m, but fought back doggedly to gain the upper hand 80m out for a 10th career. The slow pace played into his hands. Beauty Only had to duck and weave about for a clear run after dropping back to near last approaching the final bend and came up just short. He likely would have won with unimpeded running and the moderate pace did not help. Helene Paragon came to win the race 250m out from near the back and peaked on his run 100m out. He's a top miler but appears to need a break. Circuit Land only held his ground over the last 100m after looming with every chance 200m out following a prominent run. He's honest as the day is long but just isn't quite top grade. Stormy Atlantic rushed to the front 900m out after a deep run near the back and was yielding ground 150m out. Convey was never a factor. Unfortunately for connections of raging favourite Rapper Dragon, he was never travelling and went amiss 750m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (631)-THE CHAMPIONS MILE - Group One - 1600Metres

In the early stages, CONVEY and STORMY ANTARCTIC travelled keenly.

When STORMY ANTARCTIC was left racing wide and without cover and continued to prove difficult to settle, that horse was allowed to improve its position from the 1100 Metres to obtain the lead passing the 900 Metres.

Passing the 800 Metres, RAPPER DRAGON went amiss and was retired from the race.

Near the 650 Metres, CONVEY was taken wider by HELENE PARAGON which shifted out to improve.

T Berry (HELENE PARAGON) dropped his right rein approaching the 200 Metres.

Passing the 100 Metres, CIRCUIT LAND momentarily raced in restricted room between CONTENTMENT and HELENE PARAGON which shifted in.

T Berry was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by Z Purton, the rider of the 2nd placed, BEAUTY ONLY, against CONTENTMENT, the winner, alleging interference approaching and passing the 350 Metres.

After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that near the 350 Metres BEAUTY ONLY was directed to the outside of CONTENTMENT in an endeavour to improve into running between that horse and CIRCUIT LAND.

The Stewards further found that prior to establishing the run between those two horses, BEAUTY ONLY, which was being ridden along, was then directed to the inside of CONTENTMENT passing the 300 Metres after being disappointed for running as a result of CONTENTMENT shifting out and CIRCUIT LAND shifting in marginally.

As the Stewards were satisfied that BEAUTY ONLY did not establish running to the outside of CONTENTMENT, the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in notified on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.

RAPPER DRAGON, CONTENTMENT and BEAUTY ONLY were sent for sampling.