Recap by phillip woo

In a race for the sweepers, roughie Chaparral Star came on strongly one from the right travelling second last to nail Ambitious Speedy in the last stride for the win. The step up in distance and return to the turf at his second start in the grade was the key to victory. Ambitious Speedy had travelled a position ahead of the winner in the run, poked his head in front 20m out and was nipped late. He rarely produces a bad run in this grade. Post-time favourite Superior Boy found a couple just too good after weaving a run near the inside following a rail-hugging run behind midfield. It's only a matter of time before he strikes in this class. Rochford was swamped late after giving a good sight in front rushing forward from an outside gate. On the back of his three starts on both surfaces, there appears a win in him in this grade. Early favourite Newswire Free was short of room late after recovering from a sluggish break to sit worse than midfield on the fence.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (743) - TO FUNG SHAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1400Meters

VICTOR EMPEROR was withdrawn on 23.6.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left knee) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPERIOR BOY (Z Purton).

Before being allowed to race again, VICTOR EMPEROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

On arrival at the Start, Apprentice C Wong expressed concern regarding the action of TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET.

An inspection by the Veterinary Officer found that horse to be lame in the left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

CHAPARRAL STAR began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS SPEEDY which shifted out after being bumped by SUPERIOR BOY.

After this, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed and was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.

NEWSWIRE FREE began only fairly.

TELECOM TITAN began awkwardly and then on jumping was bumped by GENERAL O'REILLY which shifted out.

After travelling a short distance, TELECOM TITAN dipped.

Despite being hard ridden in the early stages, FAITHFUL BOY failed to muster speed.

Approaching the 1100 Metres, FAITHFUL BOY momentarily raced tight inside TELECOM TITAN which shifted in after initially being taken in by GENERAL O'REILLY.

Then after this, when being steadied to allow GENERAL O'REILLY to cross, TELECOM TITAN travelled keenly.

Passing the 900 Metres, SUPERIOR BOY, when travelling keenly, raced tight inside XIANG HUANG QI.

AMBITIOUS SPEEDY had some difficulty obtaining clear running at the entrance to the Straight and near the 300 Metres.

Throughout the race, GENERAL O'REILLY travelled wide and without cover.

C Y Ho (XIANG HUANG QI) was warned against the practice of raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder.

After the race, N Callan was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of TELECOM TITAN other than the fact that the horse travelled keenly in the early and middle stages.

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

SUPERIOR BOY, CHAPARRAL STAR and AMBITIOUS SPEEDY were sent for sampling.