Recap by phillip woo

Shanghai Master responded nicely when asked for an effort to take control 150m out following a prominent run. He's continuing his good form from late last season after failing following a tough run last month. Star Of Joy couldn't hold off the winner after poking his head in front at the 200m following a box-seat run. He's racing well and can open his win account soon. Starlight stayed on well near the inside following a handy run for a placing. He's always a chance over this trip but is trying to find a bottom. Let's Take It Easy was short of room over the last 100m with a rail move from beyond midfield. He should have gone closer and needs to be kept safe when stepping over his preferred mile trip. Smashed in betting, Lucky Time left things too late travelling one off beyond midfield. He too will be one to be reckoned with over the Valley mile. E-super was on his tippy toes 100m out after getting his own way in front. The 1,000m might suit him better.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (70) - KWOON CHUNG ZHONGSHAN EXPRESS HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

E-SUPER jumped out at the start and made contact with STARLIGHT.

LUCKY TIME and CALIFORNIA GUNGHO bumped at the start.

LET'S TAKE IT EASY shifted out at the start, resulting in ZERO HEDGE, which began awkwardly, being taken out onto the hindquarters of LUCKY TIME.

From wide barriers, GENERAL IRON and CALIFORNIA GUNGHO were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 900 Metres, STAR OF JOY got its head up and proved difficult to settle when being steadied to obtain cover behind E-SUPER.

At the entrance to the Straight, LET'S TAKE IT EASY was shifted to the inside of STARLIGHT to obtain clear running.

Passing the 150 Metres, STAR OF JOY shifted in, inconveniencing E-SUPER.

Over the final 75 Metres, LET'S TAKE IT EASY was not able to be fully tested when awkwardly placed close to the heels of STARLIGHT.

The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if BEAUTY LOYAL (Z Purton) and JOYFUL FAMILY (A Sanna) had been afforded a fair start.

Evidence was taken from Z Purton, A Sanna and Mr A Speechley, the Starter.

After considering the evidence from all parties, it was established that prior to the start being effected both JOYFUL FAMILY and BEAUTY LOYAL became fractious and that the Starter had delayed effecting the start in response to calls from both Jockeys Purton and Sanna.

In respect of BEAUTY LOYAL, it was established that the horse then got its head down to the left and with the assistance of a barrier attendant the horse's head was brought back up and straight prior to the start being effected.

Whilst the barrier attendant was still assisting Jockey Purton in having BEAUTY LOYAL's head straight as the start was effected, the Stewards were satisfied that this did not impact upon the horse's ability to jump cleanly from the barriers.

In respect of JOYFUL FAMILY, it was found that whilst the horse did have its head turned to the right and behind the partition of the adjoining stall, Jockey Sanna was able to correct this just prior to the start being effected.

On jumping, JOYFUL FAMILY threw its head up, striking A Sanna in the face, resulting in A Sanna becoming badly unbalanced and the horse losing a considerable amount of ground.

Neither Jockeys Purton nor Sanna wished to make application that their respective mounts had been denied a fair start and, based on the evidence of all parties and their viewing of the films, the Stewards ruled that BEAUTY LOYAL and JOYFUL FAMILY had been afforded a fair start and therefore were deemed to be runners.

Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY LOYAL and JOYFUL FAMILY, which both missed the start badly, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

SHANGHAI MASTER and STAR OF JOY were sent for sampling.