Recap by phillip woo

The Hulk swooped late to win going away 50m out after a patient ride third last. He's relished a return to Sha Tin in his past two starts for wins once each over the 1,200m and 1,400m and might have another up his sleeve going forward in this grade. Leap Of Faith got going to grab second in deep stretch after a one-off trip in midfield. It was a return to form second-up following a five-month break. Flying Victory came from last and widest out to snatch third on the wire. He's capable on his day and was having his second run back following a bone stress issues in January. Golden Link grudgingly gave way after assuming the lead from Uncle Steve 200m out following a pace-stalking run. He does appear from this run to have the tools to remain competitive after a win two starts back. Punted late, Beauty Spirit made only a mild bid following a rails run in midfield. He's having trouble recapturing top form. Trust Me held his ground travelling worse than midfield. He's both on his mark and possibly in need of a racing break.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (695) - VENGEANCE OF RAIN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1400Meters

FLYING VICTORY began awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

WIN WIN began only fairly and then was hampered by UNCLE STEVE which shifted out.

From the outside barriers, THE HULK and TRUST ME were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

At the entrance to the Straight, FLYING VICTORY was directed out away from the heels of THE HULK.

When questioned, Z Purton stated that it was hoped that UNCLE STEVE would be able to take a trailing position behind KING OPIE in the early stages as it was anticipated that that horse would be ridden to obtain a forward position.

He said for some distance after the start UNCLE STEVE was left racing wide outside LEAP OF FAITH when that horse was ridden along to maintain its position to the inside of UNCLE STEVE.

He said as it was not available for UNCLE STEVE to obtain a position with cover, he allowed the horse to improve after the 1200 Metres into the lead.

He said he was comfortable to allow UNCLE STEVE to take up a leading position as the horse had performed well at its most recent start when being ridden forward to race outside the lead.

He added after obtaining the lead passing the 1100 Metres, UNCLE STEVE travelled very well in the middle stages and he anticipated that the horse would finish off the race well.

He said after being placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, UNCLE STEVE lengthened well, however, the horse peaked on its run approaching the 200 Metres and then was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground noticeably over the concluding stages.

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

The performance of UNCLE STEVE, a favoured runner in today's race, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, UNCLE STEVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CRAIG'S STAR, M F Poon stated that after being able to obtain a forward position in the early stages, CRAIG'S STAR travelled very well in the early and middle stages.

He said CRAIG'S STAR was travelling well on the Home Turn and he anticipated that the horse would be able to finish off the race well, however, after being shifted to the outside of GOLDEN LINK to obtain clear running at the entrance to the Straight, CRAIG'S STAR immediately came under heavy pressure and did not quicken as it did at its most recent start.

He added he continued to ride CRAIG'S STAR out in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and then gave ground and failed to finish off the race.

He said the only explanation he could offer for the horse's disappointing performance was that it may not have backed up from its last start when it finished off the race strongly.

He said he had ridden CRAIG'S STAR in a piece of work in the lead up to today's race and the horse had performed well in that work and did not give him an indication that it would not run well today.

A veterinary inspection of CRAIG'S STAR immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

The performance of CRAIG'S STAR, favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, CRAIG'S STAR 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 KING OPIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

CRAIG'S STAR, THE HULK and LEAP OF FAITH were sent for sampling.