Recap by phillip woo

Singapore Sling was too good on this occasion after hitting the front 120m out following a well-executed run fourth along the fence. He was suited by the step up to 1,800m and will be one of the favourites in the up-and-coming Derby. Firming late Exultant finished well after travelling behind midfield on the fence to finish a clear-cut second. He's itching for the Derby's 2,000m distance. The Golden Age kept on gamely after setting a good pace in front. His natural gate speed is going to win him a lot more races. Odds-on favourite Nothingilikemore came on reasonably well after brushing with Rattan approaching the 200m when trying to come on near the inside following a slow start. He had excuses and win, lose or draw in the 2,000m Derby, he looks a superstar miler.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (435) - THE HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP - Class 4YO - 1800Meters

PATRIOT HERO was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left front foot).

Before being allowed to race again, PATRIOT HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Although the Rules of Racing provide that a 4th placegetter cannot be declared a non-runner due to an incident at the start, prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards interviewed J Moreira regarding NOTHINGILIKEMORE's start in the race.

J Moreira stated that as the start was effected NOTHINGILIKEMORE put its head down of its own accord which resulted in the horse being slow to begin.

After viewing the videos, the Stewards were completely satisfied that NOTHINGILIKEMORE, which was being assisted by a starting gate handler, got its head down and that no external influence played any part in the horse being slow to begin.

GOLDFIELD began awkwardly.

As the start was effected, RIVET kicked out behind, resulting in the horse beginning awkwardly and bumping the hindquarters of GRAND CHANCELLOR.

Then from a wide barrier, RIVET was shifted across behind runners.

After the 1400 Metres, RIVET got its head up when travelling keenly.

Between the 1400 Metres and the 1300 Metres, NOTHINGILIKEMORE lost its right front plate and RIVET lost its left front plate.

BEAUTY MILES travelled wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres.

Passing the 400 Metres, RIVET was momentarily held up for clear running.

After the 400 Metres, EXULTANT and GRAND CHANCELLOR raced tight.

Passing the 250 Metres, NOTHINGILIKEMORE raced tight inside RATTAN as that horse improved into tight running inside RUTHVEN.

Then passing the 200 Metres, RATTAN raced in restricted room between NOTHINGILIKEMORE and RUTHVEN which shifted in marginally under pressure.

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

NOTHINGILIKEMORE, SINGAPORE SLING and EXULTANT were sent for sampling.