Recap by phillip woo

Chaparral Star held off the favourite Sports Master over the final 80m after hitting the front 150m out following a ground-saving run worse than midfield. He had turned his career around at the end of last season and should remain competitive if he stays in the grade. Late-fancied favourite Sports Master dashed strongly after peeling into the open 300m out travelling near last for the most part along the inside following a slow start. He's made a solid impression in his past three starts and will be scoring shortly. Exponents stayed on a distant third jumping on time this season to travel box-seat. He's turned his career around late last season and should remain competitive near the bottom of the weights. Superior Boy gave way 100m out after surging to the lead 380m out stalking the leader Rochford. He keeps promising but can't seem to deliver. Rochford gradually faded after working to lead from a wide gate. He's not far off a bottom.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (76) - CYPRESS HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1400Meters

CASH COURIER, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 4.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever).

Before being allowed to race again, CASH COURIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SPORTS MASTER began awkwardly and lost ground at the start.

FAIR COMMENT shifted out at the start and bumped SINCERE HORSE which in turn shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of GOLDEN CANNON.

SURE SUPREME lost its left hind plate shortly after the start.

At the 1100 Metres, LUCKY STORM, which had a tendency to over-race, was inconvenienced by VICTOR EMPEROR which shifted in marginally.

At the 700 Metres, DUTCH WINDMILL was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY ORIENT which came under pressure.

VICTOR EMPEROR, which was following, was checked away from the heels of DUTCH WINDMILL.

GOLDEN CANNON shifted out away from the heels of VICTOR EMPEROR in consequence and bumped LUCKY STORM on a number of occasions, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced and LUCKY STORM being forced wider.

At the entrance to the Straight, VICTOR EMPEROR was checked away from the heels of SUNNY ORIENT which was giving ground.

Over the concluding stages, SUPERIOR BOY and EXPONENTS raced tight due to EXPONENTS shifting in under pressure before being corrected just prior to the finishing line.

Throughout the race, SUNNY ORIENT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.

After the race, C Murray expressed concern over the action of SUNNY ORIENT.

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

When questioned, Apprentice H T Mo (LUCKY STORM) stated that, from barrier 10, he was instructed to endeavour to find a midfield position with cover if the horse began well.

He said however that LUCKY STORM began awkwardly and made contact with SURE SUPREME and as a consequence the horse was obliged to settle at the rear of the field.

A veterinary inspection of LAUGH OUT LOUD, DUTCH WINDMILL and FAIR COMMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

CHAPARRAL STAR and SPORTS MASTER were sent for sampling.