Recap by phillip woo

Old-timer Hang's Decision came with a well-timed run down the outside from the rear of the field to just overhaul El Valiente in the shadows of the post for a 10th career win. He had put the writing on the wall with a return to the dirt last start. Early favourite El Valiente was denied late after hitting the front 30m out with a move from the 500m after travelling fourth last. He's a winner waiting to happen with placings in back-to-back runs on this surface. Post-time favourite Lady First just overhauled long-time leader Land Power for third in the final few metres after getting posted without cover the entire trip near the speed. It was a good effort in defeat. Land Power wouldn't go down without a fight after getting pressured for the lead by Light My Day. It was a pleasing first run over this surface and trip following a sprint win at the Valley for his new trainer. Best For You kept on one-paced following a handy run. He's not easy to get right but is more effective on the turf. Yes We Can came up flat following a wide trip with cover in midfield. It was a disappointing run after a near win last start over the AWT 1,800m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (550) - SAND MARTIN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Meters

LAND POWER began only fairly.

DEAL MAKER and OFF THE REEL were crowded for room on jumping between LIGHT MY DAY and SUN SUN FA FA which was taken out by LUCKY MARYKNOLL which shifted out after beginning awkwardly.

RUBY STARS began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider becoming badly unbalanced.

After this, RUBY STARS travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier.

From a wide barrier, HANG'S DECISION was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

After being ridden along in the early stages, EL VALIENTE was steadied approaching the winning post on the first occasion to obtain cover.

After initially being steadied in the early stages from the outside barrier with a view to obtaining cover, LADY FIRST was left racing wide and without cover approaching and passing the 1400 Metres and then near the 1300 Metres was allowed to improve its position, however, continued to travel wide and without cover.

Rounding the Home Turn, DEAL MAKER and YES WE CAN raced tight.

The performance of LIGHT MY DAY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, LIGHT MY DAY 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 DEAL MAKER and YES WE CAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

LADY FIRST, HANG'S DECISION and EL VALIENTE were sent for sampling.