Recap by phillip woo

Soccer Brave kept up a good gallop for the win after moving to the lead from Winningli 250m out after chasing a strong pace one off in third. He added to an earlier win on the turf but isn't reliable. The Invincible was inching closer with every stride following a prominent run to finish a close second in his best run to date. The step up to a mile on this surface appeared to be the right ingredient. Early favourite Mi Blanco got going after a deep run with cover in midfield to fill a placing. He's yet to deliver but keeps promising. Jimson The Famous wouldn't fold without a fight after ranging up to challenge for the lead at the 500m following a no-cover run the entire trip near the speed from a tricky gate. Unique Joyous stayed on a distant after saving ground in midfield. He's in the right grade now and a mile win on either surface isn't far away. Post-time favourite Winningli was stopping 150m out after working hard to find the front. He had excuses.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (714) - TIMELESS TRADITIONS HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

JOLLY AMBER, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 9.6.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore).

Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY AMBER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

FORTUNE WAY began only fairly.

Shortly after the start, DOUBLE POINT raced in restricted room between LUCKY WIN WIN which shifted in and EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA which shifted out when being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier.

From the outside barrier, AMAZING GOLD was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Near the 1000 Metres, JIMSON THE FAMOUS was left racing wide and without cover.

Passing the 650 Metres, AMAZING GOLD was crowded for room when improving into tight running inside EQUITY DOCTRINE which shifted in marginally and outside DOUBLE POINT which shifted out slightly.

Rounding the Home Turn, HAPPY BEAUTY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of LUCKY WIN WIN.

For the majority of the race, HAPPY BEAUTY travelled wide and without cover.

A Sanna (SOCCER BRAVE) was warned against the practice of repeatedly hitting his mounts down the shoulder with the whip.

When questioned regarding the performance of WINNINGLI, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to cross SOCCER BRAVE to race outside the leader.

He said after the 1000 Metres he improved his position to be racing in the lead and as he attempted to steady the tempo, SOCCER BRAVE and JIMSON THE FAMOUS improved quickly to his outside which meant that he had to ride his mount along from prior to the 700 Metres to maintain its position inside those horses.

He said at this time the tempo of the race was particularly quick.

He added in the Straight WINNINGLI came under heavy pressure, but then weakened noticeably over the final 200 Metres.

He said on pulling up WINNINGLI made a single audible breathing noise which indicated to him that the horse may have held its breath over the latter stages.

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

The performance of WINNINGLI, a favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, WINNINGLI 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 HAPPY BEAUTY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY BEAUTY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

WINNINGLI, SOCCER BRAVE and THE INVINCIBLE were sent for sampling.