Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Divine Boy sustained his move from the rear of the field at the 600m to run down the favourite Calculation 50m out in course record time for a second trip success this term. It was a terrific training feat in his first run back following a bleeding attack in January and there appears more to come on this surface. Calculation grudging gave way after pressing forward to lead 1,200m at course record setting fractions. He's still one to follow on this surface. Fight Hero closed well after travelling one from the back to make it close for second. He's as honest as the day is long on this surface. Blocker Dee kept on reasonably well to fill a Quartet spot with a step up to the mile but did enjoy a soft run in the box-seat. Classic Emperor only plodded following a one-out, one-back run. A recent trip to Dubai appears to have taken the sting out of his legs. Beauty Prince faded after working hard following a deep run to eventually sit second at the 850m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (616) - THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB TROPHY (HANDICAP) - Class 2 - 1650Meters

DR WIN WIN was withdrawn on 1.5.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (very restricted movement all four limbs).

Before being allowed to race again, DR WIN WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Shortly after the start, CALCULATION raced tight between DIVINE BOY and CLASSIC EMPEROR which shifted out.

Despite being vigorously ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, PACKING DRAGON failed to muster speed.

When questioned, O Doleuze stated that after being left racing wide and without cover in the early stages, he allowed CALCULATION to improve around CLASSIC EMPEROR to race outside the leader BLOCKER DEE.

He said when that horse was being steadied by its rider, he allowed CALCULATION to improve forward of BLOCKER DEE and at no time did he have to ride his mount along to do so.

He said CALCULATION was travelling strongly and he was reluctant to restrain the horse as it is a free-going type which had previously raced well when allowed to stride at its own tempo.

He said because of the manner in which CALCULATION was travelling, he was unaware that the horse had run as fast a section as it did between the 1200 Metres and the 800 Metres and that at the 700 Metres he was also unaware that he had established something of a margin over the remainder of the field.

He said after the 700 Metres he allowed CALCULATION to continue to stride along as the horse has a high cruising speed and he did not want the field being able to improve its position and the race developing into a sit and sprint.

He said after viewing the videos of the race and having considered the sectional times, he felt that it may have been better if he had held up CALCULATION for longer than he did, however, he felt at the time that having regard to the manner in which CALCULATION was previously successful for him, he considered it was a better option to allow the horse to stride fluently throughout the race rather than attempt to steady the horse.

O Doleuze was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure he is aware of the tempo he is setting to ensure that horses can finish off their races as best as they are able.

When questioned, Z Purton stated that, unlike last start when the horse was successful, BEAUTY PRINCE was not able to lead tonight's race.

He said when the tempo of the race increased noticeably after the 700 Metres, BEAUTY PRINCE came off the bridle and then did not close off the race as it did at its last start when able to dictate the terms of the race in the lead.

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

When questioned, Apprentice C Wong (BLOCKER DEE) stated that after the 800 Metres he was racing to the inside of BEAUTY PRINCE and intended to maintain this position.

He said however that making the turn near the 700 Metres BLOCKER DEE got its head on the side and lay out whilst BEAUTY PRINCE shifted in marginally.

He said he was reluctant to ride his mount along to consolidate his position inside BEAUTY PRINCE as BLOCKER DEE was shifting out and he felt that riding his mount along may result in the horse continuing to lay out and him being awkwardly placed inside the heels of BEAUTY PRINCE.

He said at all times rounding the turn he kept a tight hold on his inside rein to help BLOCKER DEE make the turn, however, because of the manner in which the horse was racing, he was not able to maintain its position inside BEAUTY PRINCE.

DIVINE BOY and CALCULATION were sent for sampling.