Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Happy Time just held on by a lip after hitting the front near the 200m following a perfectly-executed ride three back on the fence despite a wide draw. He was able to build on a good run on opening day and the light weight helped. Newcomer King Of The Court ran on strongly near the outside to make it close on the wire after making his run four back and one off the fence. It was a solid run on debut and he'll be finding the winner's circle shortly. Favourite Lucky Maryknoll stayed on well to finish a clear-cut third just behind the quinella pair following a handy run along the fence. She was able to hold her own up in grade off a light weight. Courageous Knight came from near last to fill the frame without menacing the top-three. It was another pleasing effort at just his second start following a placing in May. My Ecstatic came up one paced when popped the question travelling one off better than midfield carrying top weight. He might be ready to tackle a longer trip now. Moon Peaks gradually faded over the last 100m after emerging the leader 600m out in a mad dash of five for the front. He went okay but needs to raise his game at this level.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (40) - MAGPIE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

LUCKY MARYKNOLL shifted out at the start and bumped MOON PEAKS.

MEGA BONUS shifted in on jumping and bumped TOUCH FAITH.

DAILY BEAUTY was steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start.

HAPPY TIME began only fairly and then was steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover.

From a wide barrier, TREASURE OF FIELD was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Passing the 1100 Metres, HAPPY DAILY, which was travelling keenly when being steadied to obtain cover, was brushed and taken wider by MOON PEAKS which shifted out marginally.

This resulted in HAPPY DAILY shifting out and bumping MY ECSTATIC which was crowded for room inside TOUCH FAITH.

After brushing HAPPY DAILY, MOON PEAKS then shifted out after the 1100 Metres which resulted in HAPPY DAILY, which was continuing to travel keenly, being taken out further onto MY ECSTATIC which was badly hampered after being bumped by HAPPY DAILY.

When MY ECSTATIC was taken out, KING OF THE COURT, which was racing outside that horse, was inconvenienced in consequence.

Passing the 700 Metres, MEGA BONUS became unbalanced when crowded for room between HONEY BEE which shifted in marginally and TOUCH FAITH which got its head on the side and made the turn awkwardly.

In this incident, MEGA BONUS bumped the hindquarters of HONEY BEE which shifted in further, resulting in MEGA BONUS being further crowded for room and losing ground.

Passing the 250 Metres, HAPPY DAILY was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH which was giving ground.

Throughout the race, HONEY BEE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out.

The performance of HONEY BEE was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, HONEY BEE 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 HONEY BEE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

After the race, H Bentley stated that he was instructed to obtain a midfield position with cover on MEGA BONUS.

He said after beginning well there were a considerable number of horses positioned to his inside and he felt that he would have had to restrain MEGA BONUS to obtain a position as instructed.

He said he then allowed MEGA BONUS to take up a forward position in the hope of being able to cross runners to his inside, however, MEGA BONUS was required to travel wide and without cover throughout the race.

A veterinary inspection of TOUCH FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

LUCKY MARYKNOLL, HAPPY TIME and KING OF THE COURT were sent for sampling.