Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Charity Glory let down very well down the far outside despite lugging in late to grab victory in deep stretch after a patient ride fourth from the rear. It was his first win at his 28th start but he had put the writing on the wall in two other runs this term and can pick up another. Breeders' Star rushed to the front 50m out following a midfield run. He's always a chance over this Valley trip. Master Albert was one-paced over the final 100m after hitting the front 200m out following a prominent run to cost punters as the favourite for a fourth straight time. He's risky at short odds but can breakthrough at any time. Roundabout finished well from beyond midfield to fill a Quartet spot. It was a good run first-up following a stable change and he's clearly better at Sha Tin. All Best Friends was given every chance sitting handy on the fence. He'll likely to need to drop lower in the handicaps. Best Step faded after punching the breeze on the speed from a wide gate.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (124) - QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

On arrival at the Start, ALL BEST FRIENDS, which kicked a rail whilst in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race.

ROUNDABOUT and MASTER ALBERT bumped at the start.

CALCULATION began awkwardly.

CIRCUIT KING shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced BEST STEP.

THOR THE GREATEST (Apprentice M F Poon) shifted in on jumping and inconvenienced SILLY BUDDIES.

After initially being taken in by THOR THE GREATEST, SILLY BUDDIES shifted in away from that horse which resulted in CALCULATION being badly crowded for room between SILLY BUDDIES and CHARITY GLORY.

Apprentice Poon was advised to ensure that he responds as quickly as possible to his mounts shifting ground so as to prevent causing interference.

From wide barriers, AMAZING FEELING and DUKEDOM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Making the first turn near the 1050 Metres, ROUNDABOUT got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MASTER ALBERT.

CALCULATION made the first turn near the 1050 Metres awkwardly, got its head on the side and lay out.

When being steadied to obtain cover after the 900 Metres, CIRCUIT KING proved difficult to settle.

After the 900 Metres, CHARITY GLORY was awkwardly placed between ROUNDABOUT and CALCULATION which shifted in marginally.

In the early part of the Straight, ROUNDABOUT lay in under pressure.

Over the last 50 Metres, CHARITY GLORY hung in under pressure.

When questioned regarding the performance of BEST STEP, Z Purton stated that, from the wide barrier, he was able to shift BEST STEP across to obtain a forward position in the early stages without having to make too much use of the horse.

He said making the first turn he was left racing in a three wide position outside CIRCUIT KING and as it was not available for him at this time to steady BEST STEP to obtain a position with cover, he was obliged to press on forward of CIRCUIT KING.

He said whilst he had to take some time to cross CIRCUIT KING, he did not have to make too much use of the horse to do so and he was comfortable with the manner in which BEST STEP travelled in the middle stages after crossing to race outside the leader.

He said BEST STEP continued to travel well until passing the 400 Metres at which stage MASTER ALBERT commenced to improve its position around BEST STEP.

He added BEST STEP immediately came under pressure and did not quicken for him and then, despite being ridden along in the early part of the Straight, gave ground noticeably to finish at the rear of the field.

Trainer C Fownes stated that he anticipated that THOR THE GREATEST and CIRCUIT KING might lead the race and he had hoped, from the wide barrier, to be able to obtain a trailing position if possible.

He said however that the circumstances of the race in the early stages resulted in BEST STEP having to race outside the lead, but this could not be used as an excuse for the horse's disappointing run.

He said BEST STEP had done well since its last start success and he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse.

He said it was particularly concerning to him the manner in which BEST STEP gave ground and therefore he would have to reassess the horse's programme given its very disappointing run tonight.

A veterinary inspection of BEST STEP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of BEST STEP, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable.

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

MASTER ALBERT, CHARITY GLORY and BREEDERS' STAR were sent for sampling.