Recap by phillip woo

Bravo Watchman drew clear approaching the 200m after chasing favourite Mr Lumieres to remain unbeaten in his three outings over the straight 1,000m. Mr Lumieres grudgingly gave way after leading on the stands side. It's never easy to win back-to-back over the straight 1,000m. Dragon General steamed home late on the grandstand side travelling near the rear to just miss second. He's capable over this trip so a return to form was not a major surprise after falling a point below a winning run in September. Diamond Master stayed on well travelling behind midfield to inject some value into the Quartet. He's gone well in four of his seven starts but has trouble winning at this level. Country Melody stuck on all right following a midfield run. The big weight's proving a tough hurdle to clear. Backed late, Baltic Whisper wasn't beaten all that far in the end after badly missing the kick. He'll have better days going forward.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (474) - TERN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1000Meters

Prior to the race, J Moreira expressed concern whether the left hind plate was securely fitted to BRAVO WATCHMAN.

This plate was examined by the Club's farrier and found to be intact.

The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if BALTIC WHISPER had been afforded a fair start.

Mr C S Shum, the trainer of BALTIC WHISPER and Apprentice H T Mo, the rider of the horse, subsequently made application for BALTIC WHISPER to be declared a non-runner.

After taking evidence from all parties concerned including the Starter, Mr A Speechley, it was found that as the start was being effected BALTIC WHISPER, which was not being assisted by a starting gate handler, commenced to be very fractious in the barriers, got its head down, struck out at the front gates and missed the start badly.

The Stewards were satisfied that these events occurred simultaneously with the start being effected and it was not reasonably available for the Starter to have anticipated BALTIC WHISPER's barrier manners and delayed the start being effected.

As BALTIC WHISPER's barrier manners were found to be the sole reason for the incident, the Stewards ruled that the horse had been afforded a fair start and accordingly it was deemed to be a runner.

Before being allowed to race again, BALTIC WHISPER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

ACE KING shifted out at the start and bumped WATER DIVINER.

DIAMOND MASTER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently began only fairly.

HAIR TRIGGER was slow to begin.

Near the 800 Metres, MY LITTLE FRIEND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WATER DIVINER (M Chadwick) which shifted in when not properly clear.

M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Passing the 500 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER was shifted in away from the heels of MONEY BOY after being awkwardly placed behind that horse.

After being struck with the whip passing the 300 Metres, BRAVO WATCHMAN shifted out marginally and bumped MR LUMIERES.

BRAVO WATCHMAN and MR LUMIERES then raced tight for a short distance due to both horses becoming unbalanced after making contact.

After this, BRAVO WATCHMAN lay out under pressure.

Approaching the 200 Metres, HAIR TRIGGER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DOUBLE VALENTINE.

At the 50 Metres, A Sanna (MR LUMIERES) dropped his right rein.

A veterinary inspection of WATER DIVINER immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right hind leg.

Before being allowed to race again, WATER DIVINER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of BALTIC WHISPER and HAIR TRIGGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

DRAGON GENERAL lost its left front plate after the race.

BRAVO WATCHMAN and MR LUMIERES were sent for sampling.