Recap by phillip woo

Winning Faith responded nicely to win going away 80m out after a patient ride third from the rear to remain unbeaten in back-to-back runs over this Valley trip. It was an impressive effort on the back of a moderate pace and he might have more points in hand over this course. Litterateur found one too smart after dashing to the front 150m out following a handy run. He's returned to form in his past two starts and should be winning shortly. Favourite Mister Monte grudgingly gave way after assuming the front 250m out following a pace-stalking run. It was another honest run in defeat and he's not one to write off yet. Rank outsider Land Grant stayed on all right following a one-off run worse than midfield to finish a distant fourth. He's a hard one to get right. Gonna Run was doing his best work late when the race was all but over sitting second from the rear from a wide gate. He's in the right grade again and can pop up at any time.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (335) - CLEVELAND HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1650Meters

WINNING FAITH began awkwardly and lost ground.

Shortly after the start, MISTER MONTE, LITTERATEUR and THE SYLPH raced tight.

GO BEAUTY GO became unbalanced shortly after the start when bumped by DR WIN WIN which shifted out.

From wide barriers, GONNA RUN and PHOTON WILLIE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 1400 Metres, THE SYLPH got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of LITTERATEUR.

After this, THE SYLPH continued to lay out when racing tight inside LITTERATEUR.

Passing the 1300 Metres, TEN FLAMES got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of LAND GRANT.

Making the turn after the 600 Metres, THE SYLPH got its head on the side, lay out and was awkwardly placed inside LAND GRANT.

Over the concluding stages, LAND GRANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MISTER MONTE and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.

Throughout the race, BANK ON RED travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DR WIN WIN, Z Purton stated that his mount was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages and he was happy with the manner in which it travelled.

He said at the entrance to the Straight he was able to immediately obtain clear running to the inside of GO BEAUTY GO, however, DR WIN WIN did not quicken and, despite being fully tested, commenced to give ground shortly after entering the Straight.

He added whilst DR WIN WIN did not feel sore, the horse became unbalanced when being eased down after the race.

A veterinary inspection of DR WIN WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of DR WIN WIN, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable.

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

The Stewards were advised by the Clerk of the Scales that B Prebble (PHOTON WILLIE) weighed out 2 lbs overweight after no overweight was notified at the time of declarations.

After taking evidence from B Prebble, the Stewards adjourned the matter so as to allow Mr P O'Sullivan, the trainer of PHOTON WILLIE, and his assistant trainer to be interviewed prior to the first race of the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 13 January 2018.

A veterinary inspection of GO BEAUTY GO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, GO BEAUTY GO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

MISTER MONTE, WINNING FAITH and LITTERATEUR were sent for sampling.