Recap by phillip woo

California Legend was too good after hitting the front 280m out following a saloon run behind the leader Lucky Victor. He had been knocking on the door in back-to-back runs following a downgrade but will likely find things harder with a return to Class Four. Tailor Made ran on well travelling better than midfield to grab second 100m out. He can produce an odd good run now and then. Virtus Star ran on steadily near the inside following a prominent run on the fence to fill a placing. It was another honest effort. Punted late, Nitro Express closed off well from behind midfield to just miss a placing. He wasn't suited by the moderate pace. Favourite Happy Hour ran on late without menacing but was briefly held up mid-straight behind the tiring leader after a rail run in midfield. He had an excuse. Great Smart could never get into the act travelling towards the rear. He was at the mercy of the pace and prefers a longer trip.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (375) - QUEENSWAY HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

GREAT SMART lunged at the front gates just prior to the start being effected and consequently stood flat-footed as the gates opened and was slow to begin.

GENERAL CASTLEDALE was also slow to begin.

HUMBLE STEED got its head up on jumping and continued to race ungenerously for a short distance.

From a wide barrier, VEGA RHYTHM was shifted across behind runners soon after the start.

After improving inside the heels of EVEN KEEL approaching the winning post on the first occasion, NITRO EXPRESS was steadied when EVEN KEEL shifted in to obtain cover behind TAILOR MADE.

When NITRO EXPRESS was steadied, it shifted in and made contact with HUMBLE STEED which in turn shifted in, resulting in GREAT SMART, which was improving to its inside, being steadied.

Also as a consequence of NITRO EXPRESS being steadied, VEGA RHYTHM was checked away from the heels of that horse.

Just prior to the finishing line, M F Poon, the rider of the second placegetter, TAILOR MADE, dropped his left rein.

Immediately after the race, K Teetan expressed concern regarding the action of GENERAL CASTLEDALE.

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

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

Before being allowed to race again, GENERAL CASTLEDALE 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 EVEN KEEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

HAPPY HOUR, CALIFORNIA LEGEND and TAILOR MADE were sent for sampling.