Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Waldorf held off the fast-finishing Fantastic Eight after slipping through along the inside to lead 100m out following a handy run on the fence. He has been itching to add to an earlier win over this Valley trip. Fantastic Eight came on strongly settling fourth last from a wide gate to make it close on the wire. He'll be saluting shortly over this Valley trip if he remains in the grade. Endearing wore down long-time leader Telecom Puma after working very hard to sit outside that one in the run from a wide gate. It was a better run on his past few with a switch to the Valley. Telecom Puma grudgingly gave way after dictating the run. He's given a decent sight up front in both starts. Voyage King stayed on all right but did have every chance following a midfield run on the fence. He needs a longer trip. Happy Time was hitting the line with purpose late down the outside settling last after jumping slowly. He has been flashing positive signs in defeat in his past three starts.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (513) - HAWTHORN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

As the start was effected, HAPPY TIME, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin.

Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY TIME will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.

CEREFINO and FANTASTIC EIGHT bumped at the start.

After this, both CEREFINO and FANTASTIC EIGHT were steadied to obtain cover.

When being steadied shortly after the start, MY ALLY got its head up, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced.

Also from the outside barrier, CASIMIRO was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

Over the latter stages of the race, K Teetan (WALDORF) dropped his left rein.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GAMECHANGERS, Z Purton stated that his mount travelled well throughout the early and middle stages.

He said although GAMECHANGERS was required to race in a three wide position, the horse had cover behind ENDEARING until near the 600 Metres.

He said at the 400 Metres GAMECHANGERS was taken wider again by AMBITIOUS HEART which shifted out away from the heels of ENDEARING which resulted in GAMECHANGERS becoming unbalanced.

He said after balancing up GAMECHANGERS, his mount came under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, did not respond to his riding and weakened towards the rear of the field near the 200 Metres.

He said given that the horse was well beaten at this stage, he did not persist in riding it out over the concluding stages.

He added whilst he had not ridden GAMECHANGERS previously, he was unable to detect any obvious abnormalities with the horse during or after the race.

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

The performance of GAMECHANGERS was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, GAMECHANGERS 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 CASIMIRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

WALDORF and FANTASTIC EIGHT were sent for sampling.