Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Simple Elegant was too good after a well rated run in front for a maiden win at his eighth start. He had put the writing on the wall two back over the 1,600m and might have the tools to win another. Sprint Forward finished nicely following a midfield run to grab second 150m out. He's naturally coming to hand in his three starts and should be winning shortly. Dionysus Collin just got the better of Hurricane Hunter after having to switch out from behind a wall of horses for a clear run at the 200m travelling near the back following a slow start. Hurricane Hunter made headway down the outside after travelling fourth from the back. He can produce an odd good run in this grade. Telecom Rocket kept on reasonably well after a prominent run without cover the entire trip. Victory Power just finished out of the placings after saving ground better than midfield in his first run for trainer Douglas Whyte. He'll likely come on from this run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (35) - THE CHINESE RECREATION CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) - Class 4 - 1400Meters

DIAMOND RHYME was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore).

Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND RHYME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

DIONYSUS COLLIN began only fairly.

HURRICANE HUNTER and VICTORY POWER bumped at the start.

SIMPLE ELEGANT shifted out on jumping and bumped KA YING BRILLIANCE.

WINNING TOGETHER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

Near the 1100 Metres, KING'S RACE, which had been ridden along to make up ground, was hampered when steadied away from the heels of VIVA COUNCIL (H T Mo) which shifted in.

H T Mo was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless in similar circumstances he must continue to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground.

Making the first turn approaching the 900 Metres, WINNING TOGETHER got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of KA YING BRILLIANCE, resulting in WINNING TOGETHER being awkwardly placed inside that horse.

Then approaching the 800 Metres, WINNING TOGETHER, which continued to lay out, was crowded for room between KA YING BRILLIANCE and DIONYSUS COLLIN which shifted out away from the heels of HURRICANE HUNTER.

Passing the 400 Metres, VICTORY POWER was steadied and shifted to the inside of CARE FREE PRINCE after being disappointed for running between that horse and MURRAY'S PARTNERS.

Approaching the 350 Metres, KING'S RACE shifted out away from HURRICANE HUNTER and bumped WINNING CONTROLLER.

After the 300 Metres, HURRICANE HUNTER got its head on the side and lay out under pressure.

When questioned regarding KA YING BRILLIANCE being ridden back in the field, M L Yeung stated that at its most recent start at the end of last season the horse, despite being ridden along, did not show the same early speed as it had earlier in its racing career in Hong Kong.

He said with this in mind he had ridden KA YING BRILLIANCE from off the speed in two barrier trials in the lead up to today's race and in the first of these trials KA YING BRILLIANCE finished off strongly.

He said as KA YING BRILLIANCE was drawn a wide barrier in today's race and as it was anticipated that the race would be run at a good tempo with there being a number of horses which usually race in a forward position engaged in the race, it was decided that KA YING BRILLIANCE should be steadied in the early stages and obtain a trailing position with cover.

He said after shifting KA YING BRILLIANCE across behind runners in the early stages, the horse appeared reluctant to race and he had to ride his mount along vigorously in order to have it maintain its position.

He added KA YING BRILLIANCE did not travel well in today's race and then finished off the race only fairly.

When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on TELECOM ROCKET, K Teetan stated that at its most recent start over 1200 Metres, it was felt that after beginning well the horse may have been able to be in a handier position than it was.

He said after discussing the tactics to be adopted on TELECOM ROCKET with Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of that horse, it was decided that stepping up to 1400 Metres today, it was felt that there would be good pace in the race and that TELECOM ROCKET may be able to be ridden along in the early stages and due to the pace of the race the field may break up sufficiently for TELECOM ROCKET to be able to obtain a position with cover behind the speed.

He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages, he commenced to shift across behind runners to obtain cover behind VIVA COUNCIL.

He said however that KING'S RACE maintained its position to the inside of TELECOM ROCKET near the 1100 Metres and as he commenced to ease with a view to taking cover behind that horse, KING'S RACE was also eased and therefore he was obliged to ride his mount along after the 1000 Metres to cross KING'S RACE and obtain a position outside MURRAY'S PARTNERS.

He added this resulted in TELECOM ROCKET then being left racing wide and without cover.

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

A veterinary inspection of KING'S RACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

VICTORY POWER, SIMPLE ELEGANT and SPRINT FORWARD were sent for sampling.