Recap by phillip woo

Tsar was too strong in the end, hitting the front near the 200m after stalking the speed for a maiden win in a record time on a lightning fast track. The writing had been on the wall in two prior starts over this course. Favourite Green Luck had to settle for second after working into the quinella spot near the 100m following a box-seat run. He's a true specialist over this course. Savaquin ran on strongly from behind midfield to dead-heat for second. He's having a splendid first campaign. Rank outsider Holy Heart ran on well from just worse than midfield to finish fourth without menacing the top three. He relished a return to the course and distance of two earlier wins this term. Conqueror stayed on all right following a one-off run better than midfield. He has flashed potential at times but is unreliable. Punted late, Magnificent knocked up 100m out after getting his own way in front. He's still trying to find his mark. Veteran Flying Quest ran on steadily without menacing following a rails run in midfield. He does appear to be on his mark following a win on Boxing Day and appears to enjoy a longer trip nowadays.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (707) - FORT HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1650Meters

DELIGHTFUL LAOS was slow to begin.

From wide barriers, LOBO'S LEGEND and ENJOYING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 1300 Metres, FLYING QUEST raced tight inside HOLY HEART which was taken in by SOLAR WAI WAI which shifted ground when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINING GEM.

Passing the 1300 Metres, GREEN LUCK was momentarily crowded for room inside CONQUEROR which shifted in away from the heels of TSAR.

For some distance approaching the 400 Metres, SAVAQUIN was awkwardly placed behind FLYING QUEST.

At the entrance to the Straight, HOLY HEART was shifted in away from the heels of CONQUEROR to obtain clear running.

Throughout the race, SHINING GEM travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was instructed to give SOLAR WAI WAI a good warm up behind the Start and then to ride his mount positively in the early stages to take up a forward position.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along for some distance in the early stages, however, SOLAR WAI WAI did not show as much early speed as he anticipated and he was not able to improve his position forward of SHINING GEM which was showing more early speed than SOLAR WAI WAI.

He said after continuing to ride his mount along until about the 1500 Metres, he then steadied SOLAR WAI WAI to obtain a position with cover rather than continuing to ride it along as he was of the opinion that SOLAR WAI WAI would not be able to show sufficient early speed to clear SHINING GEM and therefore would be required to race wide and without cover.

He added passing the winning post on the first occasion he was able to obtain a three wide position but with cover behind SHINING GEM and further back in the field than had been intended.

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

A veterinary inspection of DELIGHTFUL LAOS and MAGNIFICENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

TSAR, GREEN LUCK and SAVAQUIN were sent for sampling.