Recap by phillip woo

Well-backed Snap Fit took the short route home after a patient ride at the rear of the field to grab victory in deep stretch. He's always shown ability and it was a terrific training feat to get him to fire second-up after recurring suspensory issues. Favourite California Concord found one just too good after rolling to the lead 100m out following a prominent run on the fence. He's a winner waiting to happen following back-to-back seconds over this Valley trip. Sparkling Dragon came from towards the rear and down the outside to just miss second by a bob of the heads. He's always a chance over this Valley trip. King's Capital got going to fill the frame following a rails run in midfield. It was another honest effort after hovering around the finish in three of four prior starts. Plunged late, Stoicism made some ground late after checking off the heels of Beauty Rush 150m out following a one-off run better than midfield. He had an excuse but is still acclimatising. Beauty Rush came up one-paced over the final 100m after going forward three deep to sit outside the leader Mehboob 600m out. He's lost a bit of his early speed.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (628) - BONHAM HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

LINCOLN BRIGHT was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore).

Before being allowed to race again, LINCOLN BRIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

BEAUTY RUSH began awkwardly.

MEHBOOB shifted out at the start and inconvenienced KING'S CAPITAL.

SPARKLING DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped SNAP FIT.

After this, SNAP FIT, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners.

From the outside barrier, JAZZ STEED was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.

After travelling a short distance, TRIPLE TRIPLE shifted out and bumped STOICISM which was crowded for room inside BEAUTY RUSH which became unbalanced as a result of being bumped on the hindquarters by STOICISM.

SNAP FIT made the turn near the 1050 Metres awkwardly, shifted out and bumped JAZZ STEED.

In the early stages, BEAUTY RUSH travelled wide and without cover and after the 900 Metres commenced to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 700 Metres.

When questioned regarding his riding of STOICISM after the 500 Metres, H Bentley stated that he had been travelling behind TRIPLE TRIPLE which he anticipated would be able to take him into the race.

He said passing the 400 Metres SPARKLING DRAGON commenced to improve its position around STOICISM and he did consider shifting to the outside of TRIPLE TRIPLE, however, as that horse was shifting to the outside of BEAUTY RUSH, he elected not to shift out as he felt that it would be in STOICISM's best interests to save ground and improve inside TRIPLE TRIPLE.

He said this resulted in SPARKLING DRAGON being able to improve its position around STOICISM rounding the Home Turn.

He added after shifting to the inside of TRIPLE TRIPLE passing the 300 Metres, STOICISM was then held up for clear running behind BEAUTY RUSH passing the 200 Metres and he had to shift his mount abruptly away from the heels of that horse to obtain clear running between BEAUTY RUSH and TRIPLE TRIPLE.

H Bentley was advised that whilst the Stewards were mindful that this was only the second occasion that he had ridden at Happy Valley, nonetheless, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in not improving to the outside of TRIPLE TRIPLE passing the 400 Metres which would have afforded STOICISM clear running by not allowing SPARKLING DRAGON the opportunity to improve around STOICISM.

He was told that, wherever circumstances permit, he should ride his horses in such a manner that they are afforded clear and uninterrupted running.

After the race, M F Poon stated that TRIPLE TRIPLE would not settle when racing without cover in the early and middle stages and it was not until after being crossed by BEAUTY RUSH after the 700 Metres that TRIPLE TRIPLE commenced to relax.

Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BEAUTY RUSH had bled from both nostrils.

A veterinary inspection of TRIPLE TRIPLE, MEHBOOB and JAZZ STEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

SNAP FIT and CALIFORNIA CONCORD were sent for sampling.