Recap by phillip woo

Comfort Life responded well to win going away at the 150m following a dream run oneout, one-back. Zac Purton was able to get the best out of him and he should remain competitive in the grade. Lasting Friendship stayed on well to win a three-horse photo for second following a box-sat run. The return to the turf sporting pacifiers was the key to an improved run. Taking Aim assumed the lead soon after straightening stalking the leader Exceptional Desire from a wide gate and wouldn't go down without a fight. He had shown hints of ability in his opening five runs. Well-backed late Amazing came on nicely travelling fourth from the back to just miss out on a placing. The late punted Encouraging got going without menacing from the rear of the field. He'll have to draw better and is crying out for a longer trip. Intrepic stayed on without menacing after a deep run with cover beyond midfield. On his recent form, he had an off day on this occasion.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (703) - HKU SPACE HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1400Meters

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO had blood at its mouth.

CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

MR WEALTH was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.

ROUNDABOUT began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between COMFORT LIFE and EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which shifted out.

In this incident, COMFORT LIFE became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ROUNDABOUT.

From the outside barrier, ENCOURAGING was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.

Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, POWERMAX failed to muster speed and for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.

Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO got its head on the side and hung out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of COMFORT LIFE.

After this, CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO continued to lay out rounding the turns and then in the Straight hung in and proved difficult to ride.

At the entrance to the Straight, AMAZING was awkwardly placed behind MICKEY RICH.

In the Straight, ENCOURAGING lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride.

The performance of EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

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

When questioned regarding his riding of POWERMAX in the Straight, K C Ng stated that he used the whip on the horse in the early part of the Straight and again passing the 200 Metres.

He said passing the 150 Metres POWERMAX shifted out and for this reason he rode the horse out hands and heels rather than continuing to use the whip.

K C Ng was advised that his riding out of POWERMAX, particularly over the final 200 Metres, had come under notice and he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that it is not open to query.

Jockey Ng was further advised that the Stewards had had cause to question him on a number of occasions recently regarding his handling of horses and he was placed on notice in this respect.

When questioned regarding the performance of ROUNDABOUT, K Teetan stated that his mount travelled well in the early and middle stages and after being placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight initially quickened satisfactorily.

He said however that after the 200 Metres ROUNDABOUT's run ended and the horse finished off the race in a disappointing manner.

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

A veterinary inspection of MR WEALTH immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg.

Before being allowed to race again, MR WEALTH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

COMFORT LIFE and LASTING FRIENDSHIP were sent for sampling.