Recap by phillip woo

Murray's Partners dashed strongly to just get up in the final few strides after settling four back on the fence to ring up a fourth win from his past five starts despite a rise in class and distance here. He's in fabulous form and there's no reason why he can't win again. Punted late, Namjong Plus did everything right but get the win after darting to the lead 150m out following a midfield run. He's always a chance over this course at a mile or 1,800m. Clement Legend came from the rear to finish a clear-cut third. He's mixing his form but did place two back over this Valley trip. Red Elysees just held on for fourth after dictating the run from a wide gate. He's as honest as the day is long. Divine Unicorn just failed to get up for a Quartet by a bob of the heads following a patient ride third from the rear. Early favourite Tashidelek worked too hard to land a spot outside the leader 1,000m out and had little left in the tank 100m out after briefly leading 200m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (237) - THOMSON HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1800Meters

At the time of declaration, Apprentice K H Chan notified a probable overweight of 1 lb in respect of SUPERBELLA's weight of 109 lbs having regard to Apprentice Chan's 7 lb allowance.

Apprentice Chan then weighed out 2 lbs overweight and on return to scale weighed in at 112 lbs.

As Apprentice Chan weighed in 2 lbs over the weight notified at the time of declaration having regard to his allowance, he was fined the sum of $6,000.

TASHIDELEK shifted in at the start and bumped SUPERBELLA which became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in TASHIDELEK being taken out onto MURRAY'S PARTNERS which was crowded for room inside STIMULATION.

After this, MURRAY'S PARTNERS was shifted across behind runners.

From wide barriers, SUPER ELEGANCE and CLEMENT LEGEND were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, TASHIDELEK was slow to muster speed and travelled wide and without cover until near the 950 Metres at which time the horse shifted in to race outside the lead.

After traveling a short distance, SUPERBELLA got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover and then passing the 1600 Metres again got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind CHEERFUL LEADER.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, PEACH BLOSSOMS was crowded for room inside CHEERFUL LEADER which was taken in by RED ELYSEES (K C Leung) which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening.

K C Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

In this incident, NAMJONG PLUS, which was following PEACH BLOSSOMS, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence.

Approaching the 1200 Metres, SUPERBELLA was crowded for room between TASHIDELEK which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUPERBELLA and CHEERFUL LEADER which shifted out.

After the 1000 Metres, STIMULATION was left racing wide and without cover.

CLEMENT LEGEND had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.

Passing the 300 Metres, PEACH BLOSSOMS got its head on the side and shifted in away from RED ELYSEES, resulting in the horse brushing the running rail and becoming unbalanced.

Passing the 250 Metres, TASHIDELEK shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of RED ELYSEES.

Approaching the 150 Metres, PEACH BLOSSOMS was awkwardly placed behind RED ELYSEES.

When questioned, Apprentice C L Chau stated that he was instructed to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders on BLASTOISE if possible.

He said after beginning well he rode his mount along with a view to crossing PEACH BLOSSOMS on his inside, however, when that horse showed early speed, he was comfortable to allow BLASTOISE to race outside PEACH BLOSSOMS.

He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he obtained a trailing position behind CHEERFUL LEADER which was steadied passing the winning post on the first occasion to allow RED ELYSEES to cross.

He said passing the 1200 Metres BLASTOISE came off the bridle and, despite being urged along, was reluctant to maintain its position which resulted in the horse losing ground and being positioned much further back in the field than had been intended.

He added BLASTOISE did not travel comfortably as it did at its last start at Sha Tin, rather it raced in a similar manner to how it did at Happy Valley prior to its last start.

He said, given the manner in which BLASTOISE raced tonight and at its previous start at Happy Valley when ridden by him, he informed the connections that, in his opinion, the horse may be better suited in races at Sha Tin where it can travel more strongly than it did in tonight's race.

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

A veterinary inspection of TASHIDELEK, CHEERFUL LEADER, STIMULATION and SUPERBELLA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

BLASTOISE, MURRAY'S PARTNERS and NAMJONG PLUS were sent for sampling.