Recap by phillip woo

The well-backed Smiling City was too good after chasing the speed fourth along the fence before roaring to the lead 200m out for a third career win. He was well rated with a return to the course and distance of a season-opening second. Hardly Swears stayed on nicely along the inside to take second after improving to midfield rounding the final bend. It was a solid effort following a 280-day break. Punted late, Wins All had his chance but only plodded over the last 100m following a one-off run better than midfield. He's itching for a downgrade but it was a season-best effort from a better draw. Charming Steed got going late near the inside to fill the frame after a patient ride towards the rear from a tricky gate. He keeps promising without delivering. Turquoise Hope kept on OK after emerging with the lead between runners 570m out. It was a better effort at his second run down in Class Four and first over the Valley course. See U Again ran on late near the outside after covering ground towards the rear from a wide draw. He had an excuse. Sight Hero was a non-factor after a wide trip in midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (580) - MATHESON HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

AHEAD A HEAD shifted in at the start and bumped SEE U AGAIN.

CHARMING STEED shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of WIND SPEEDER, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced.

CHARMING STEED was then crowded for room between WIND SPEEDER which shifted in when unbalanced and BAEBAE TSOI.

After this, CHARMING STEED was steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail.

After travelling a short distance, SMILING CITY and WINS ALL bumped.

From the outside barrier, EUROMISSILE was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

AHEAD A HEAD was also steadied for some distance in the early stages to obtain cover from a wide barrier.

When being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier, SEE U AGAIN travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions and then near the 1150 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of FIRE BALL.

Near the 1050 Metres, WIND SPEEDER was hampered when crowded for room between BAEBAE TSOI and FIRE BALL which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider.

Passing the 850 Metres, FIRE BALL shifted in and bumped BAEBAE TSOI, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

Approaching the 150 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS was shifted to the outside of SMILING CITY.

Also approaching the 150 Metres, WINS ALL shifted in under pressure.

Throughout the race, BAEBAE TSOI and FIRE BALL travelled very wide and without cover.

BAEBAE TSOI then gave ground in the Straight.

A veterinary inspection of BAEBAE TSOI immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.

When questioned, B Shinn stated that in the early stages he obtained a position with cover as he was instructed not to lead tonight's race as SIGHT HERO has not been finishing its races off recently as well as anticipated.

He said although SIGHT HERO raced somewhat keenly in the middle stages, he was comfortable with the manner in which the horse travelled.

He said passing the 400 Metres and rounding the Home Turn, SIGHT HERO lost ground when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BAEBAE TSOI when held up for clear running behind that horse.

He said after losing its position rounding the Home Turn, he was of the opinion that SIGHT HERO finished off the race satisfactorily given the circumstances after the 500 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of SIGHT HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

After the race, it was noted that CHARMING STEED had sustained a small laceration to the left knee.

A veterinary inspection of SEE U AGAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

CHARMING STEED, SMILING CITY and HARDLY SWEARS were sent for sampling.