Recap by phillip woo

Punted late, Catchmeifyoucan just held on after assuming the lead 220m out following a pace-stalking run for a first win after failing to come close nine times. The summer recess appears to have done wonders for him and he should remain competitive in this grade when next stepping out. Great Toplight had to shoulder his way out for a clear run at the 150m following a prominent run and made it close on the wire. He was suited by a downgrade and should be able to get away with a race soon up to a mile if he remains in the class. Winning Boy came on well near the outside to snatch third after travelling fourth from the rear. He's always a chance at this level. Thumped late in betting, Spicy Double ran on steadily following a midfield run. It was a positive effort following a stable change but he requires a longer trip. A Fast One battled on one-paced following a oneout, one-back run. He needed this run but has the tools to win at this level.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (11) - CHEUNG HONG HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

When in the Parade Ring, SPARKLING TALENT became fractious and kicked a rail.

On arrival at the Start, SPARKLING TALENT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse had sustained a cut to the inside of the right hind fetlock and accordingly was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, SPARKLING TALENT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

Before being allowed to race again, SPARKLING TALENT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SKY TREASURE, which was very fractious in the barriers, put its head down on a number of occasions and as the start was effected again got its head down and consequently was slow to begin.

JIMSON THE FAMOUS was slow to begin.

ROCKET LET WIN began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between CATCHMEIFYOUCAN and SPICY DOUBLE which shifted out.

Shortly after the start, WINNING BOY was momentarily eased away from the heels of A FAST ONE due to both horses shifting ground.

Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, A FAST ONE, which was left racing wide and without cover outside the lead, was steadied to obtain a trailing position behind CATCHMEIFYOUCAN.

Passing the 700 Metres, WINNING BOY got its head up when awkwardly placed behind OUR HONOUR.

Making the turn near the 550 Metres, ROCKET LET WIN raced tight between JIMSON THE FAMOUS and WINNING BOY which shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of OUR HONOUR.

After initially attempting to obtain a run between CATCHMEIFYOUCAN and FORTUNE BROTHERS early in the Straight, GREAT TOPLIGHT was shifted to the outside of CATCHMEIFYOUCAN approaching the 200 Metres due to that run closing as a result of both horses shifting ground.

After being positioned to improve to the outside of CATCHMEIFYOUCAN, GREAT TOPLIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CATCHMEIFYOUCAN for a short distance after the 200 Metres as a result of that horse drifting out under pressure.

Approaching the 100 Metres, A FAST ONE was brushed by GREAT TOPLIGHT which shifted out and then near the 75 Metres was bumped by GREAT TOPLIGHT.

In this incident, SPICY DOUBLE shifted out away from A FAST ONE and hampered OUR HONOUR.

When questioned regarding the poor performance of SKY TREASURE, J Moreira stated that after being placed in the barriers his mount was very fractious and as the start was effected lost ground after getting its head down simultaneously as the start being effected.

He said in the early stages he placed SKY TREASURE under heavy pressure to improve its position, however, despite being hard ridden throughout the early and middle stages, SKY TREASURE would not stretch out and refused to improve its position from at the tail of the field.

He said after the 600 Metres he was able to make some ground on SKY TREASURE whilst continuing to ride his mount aggressively and he shifted the horse to the outside of runners to see if it would finish off the race in a more genuine fashion.

He added, despite this, SKY TREASURE continued to be reluctant to race competitively and did not improve its position at any stage of the race.

A veterinary inspection of SKY TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

Both the barrier manners and the performance of SKY TREASURE, a favourite for tonight's race, were considered unacceptable.

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

SKY TREASURE, CATCHMEIFYOUCAN and GREAT TOPLIGHT were sent for sampling.