Recap by phillip woo

Brave Legend came on widest out from the rear of the field in a race run to suit to win going away 50m out with a step back up to the mile. He's a difficult one to get right but clearly likes a fast pace. Sky Melody came on nicely after being given a wake-up call at the 600m travelling one from the back to grab second in deep stretch. He has put the writing on the wall in recent runs and will be scoring shortly. Silverfield was swallowed up late after pulling out at the 300m and hitting the front 80m out. He's racing very well without winning in this class. Backed late, Let's Take It Easy ran on steadily to finish a non-threatening fourth after settling third last from a wide gate. He needs to draw better. Favourite Thunder Stomp went a shade too quickly in front after leading from gate six. He's better ridden held up. Nitro Express was short of room at times and had to check late following a rail run worse than midfield following a sluggish break.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (729) - THE CRICKET CLUB VALLEY STAKES (HANDICAP) - Class 3 - 1650Meters

NITRO EXPRESS was slow to begin.

CHEERFUL STAR began only fairly.

From wide barriers, LET'S TAKE IT EASY and SKY MELODY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 1300 Metres, DUKEDOM was crowded for room between NITRO EXPRESS and MR PICASSO which shifted in when improving inside the heels of SHAMPORT which at this time was being steadied to obtain cover.

Approaching the 1100 Metres, CHEERFUL STAR was left racing wide and without cover and then for some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle.

After initially shifting out near the 450 Metres from behind SHAMPORT, MR PICASSO was then directed back in to follow SHAMPORT approaching the 400 Metres.

At this time, SKY MELODY, which was racing outside MR PICASSO, was inconvenienced by that horse.

Then rounding the Home Turn, MR PICASSO became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of SHAMPORT which was taken out by SILVERFIELD which shifted out to obtain clear running.

Passing the 250 Metres, MR PICASSO was shifted in away from the heels of SHAMPORT which shifted in before being corrected by its rider.

Close to the finishing line, NITRO EXPRESS was crowded for room inside SILVERFIELD (U Rispoli) which, after shifting in, was then directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening to NITRO EXPRESS.

Because of this incident, neither SILVERFIELD nor NITRO EXPRESS was able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.

U Rispoli was reprimanded and advised to be more alert to his mounts shifting ground in similar circumstances.

A veterinary inspection of OUTLAWED immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and also found the horse to be lame in its right front leg.

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

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

THUNDER STOMP, BRAVE LEGEND and SKY MELODY were sent for sampling.