Recap by phillip woo

Punted late, Youthful Deal held off a challenge from Gummy Gummy over the final 250m after hitting the front 300m out following a wide run without cover better than midfield for a second win on this surface from nine starts. He relished a return to the dirt after placing in one of his past two on turf. Post-time favourite Gummy Gummy came to win the race mid-straight but couldn't get by the winner after a handy run one off the fence. He had his chance but wasn't able to improve on a near win last start on turf. Lightning Bolt ran on a distant third after a patient ride fourth last from a wide draw. He's always a chance on this surface. High Rise Soldier stayed on a pleasing fourth after a pace-stalking run. He might have enjoyed the sting out of the ground after failing to menace in two prior runs on this surface. Czarson ran on steadily without threatening from behind midfield. It was a typical performance. Red Desert got going late to finish next best ridden cold at the rear from gate 12. Early favourite Man Star held his ground after a rails run from midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (537) - TONG FUK HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

On jumping, HUMBLE STAR was checked when crowded between HIGH RISE SOLDIER and GUMMY GUMMY which was taken out by CZARSON which in turn was crowded by SUPER KING which shifted out and away from MAN STAR which also shifted out.

In this incident, HUMBLE STAR blundered.

COBHFIELD jumped awkwardly.

THE ROCK jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

From the outside barrier, RED DESERT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages and over-raced when being steadied to obtain cover.

Approaching the 1000 Metres, COBHFIELD became unbalanced when crowded between THE ROCK and LIGHTNING BOLT (H Bowman) which shifted in.

H Bowman was reprimanded.

RED DESERT was briefly held up making the Home Turn behind CZARSON.

For a short distance after the 400 Metres, MAN STAR was held up behind SUPER KING before shifting to that runner's inside to secure clear running.

MAN STAR then became held up behind CALIFORNIA VANES approaching the 300 Metres and did not obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of HUMBLE STAR and CALIFORNIA VANES immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in both horses' tracheas.

Before being allowed to race again, HUMBLE STAR and CALIFORNIA VANES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of MAN STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

YOUTHFUL DEAL and GUMMY GUMMY were sent for sampling.