Recap by phillip woo

Hay Run just out-finished rank outsider Socket Elite for the win after a vigorous riding performance by jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun following a three-deep run ahead of midfield. He was fitter for three runs and relished a step back up to the distance of a win in July. Socket Elite lost a battle to the wire after putting his head in front 150m out following a box-seat run. It was his best run to date with a sharp rise in distance. Young Glory stayed on dourly to just fill a placing after taking off five deep from beyond midfield at the 550m. The Joy Of Giving ran on well after a patient ride second from the rear to nearly place. He was well rated on a past win over this Valley trip. Salto Olimpico made some ground following a rails run in midfield. It was a better effort following a downgrade and return to his favourite Valley 2,200m. Favourite Sky Gem ran on without ever looking a chance from towards the rear after a tardy break. He got too far back.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (177) - VICTORIA HANDICAP - Class 5 - 2200Meters

SKY GEM (J Moreira) was slow to begin.

After the race, J Moreira advised that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a prominent position, however, after being slow to begin, was obliged to race at the rear of the field.

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

SALTO OLIMPICO shifted in at the start and bumped JOLLY FOREVER.

After this, despite being ridden along, SALTO OLIMPICO was slow to muster speed.

MASTER ROMAN began awkwardly.

HAY RUN and YOUNG GLORY bumped at the start.

YOUNG GLORY was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.

From a wide barrier, FORTUNE PATROL was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Making the turns in the early stages, JOY N FUN LEGEND got its head on the side and lay out.

Passing the 1300 Metres, SALTO OLIMPICO momentarily raced tight inside HAY RUN.

Approaching the 600 Metres, JOY N FUN LEGEND got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of ART OF RAW.

JOY N FUN LEGEND then made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and bumped HAY RUN.

In the early part of the Straight, THE JOY OF GIVING lay in under pressure.

Approaching the 300 Metres, SOCKET ELITE and HAY RUN raced tight.

Passing the 250 Metres, SKY GEM lay in and was reluctant to improve to the outside of MASTER ROMAN.

After the race, K Teetan reported that he rode his mount aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position as he was instructed to lead or sit outside the lead on WICKER.

He said, despite being vigorously ridden, WICKER did not show as much early speed as hoped and was left racing wide and without cover making the first turn.

He said he continued to niggle at WICKER to try and have the horse improve its position and then rode it along approaching and passing the 1200 Metres as WICKER was struggling to maintain its position.

He said he rode the horse aggressively after the 900 Metres to try and build some momentum, however, WICKER did not respond to his riding and then gave ground from the 600 Metres.

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

The performance of WICKER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, WICKER 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 MASTER ROMAN and ART OF RAW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

SKY GEM, HAY RUN and SOCKET ELITE were sent for sampling.