Recap by phillip woo

Firming late in betting, Kaholo Angel responded nicely to take control 250m out when asked for an effort at the 400m mark following a prominent run. He lived up to his smart looks and a strong final trial on dirt and the future is bright. Firming favourite Joyful Prosperity ran on steadily after a midfield run on the stands side to grab second 50m out. He will come on for the run and should be winning races when the penny drops. Super Bonus led and held on reasonably well for a placing. Holy Lake stayed on reasonably well for fourth after making his run worse than midfield following a slow start. Happihood came from last to finish next best without threatening the top-four. Cervin had nothing left in the tank over the final 200m after vying for the early lead. Dashing Success weakened to finish a long last after making his run from midfield on the far side. Like most these Griffins, he will require a lot more education and experience. Odds-on favourite Ka Ying Victory was withdrawn after acting up and sitting down in gate.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (558) - BARKER PLATE - Class GRIFFIN - 1000Meters

Shortly after being loaded into the barriers, KA YING VICTORY reared, struck its head on the overhead structure and then sat down.

KA YING VICTORY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was bleeding from both nostrils and in his opinion was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, KA YING VICTORY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

A subsequent endoscopic examination conducted on KA YING VICTORY found that there was no blood in its trachea and it was determined that the blood present was due to the horse striking its head in the barriers.

Accordingly, KA YING VICTORY was not deemed to have bled.

Before being allowed to race again, KA YING VICTORY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

DASHING SUCCESS began only fairly.

HOLY LAKE was slow to begin.

When questioned regarding his riding of JOYFUL PROSPERITY, H Bowman advised that whilst he was not given any specific instruction, connections had anticipated him racing in behind the lead.

He said JOYFUL PROSPERITY jumped awkwardly and lost some ground after which point he allowed his mount to balance up and hold a midfield position.

He said near the 800 Metres he was reluctant to ride his mount forward to improve into a position behind SUPER BONUS and to the inside of CERVIN as he was mindful if those runners did not improve into the race, this may result in JOYFUL PROSPERITY being held up.

He added throughout the middle stages he allowed his mount to hold its midfield position and near the 400 Metres when he observed CERVIN to commence to give ground, he placed his mount under pressure whereby JOYFUL PROSPERITY commenced to improve although it did not show the same turn of foot as the winner KAHOLO ANGEL.

He further stated that after being shifted to the inside of SUPER BONUS near the 200 Metres, JOYFUL PROSPERITY ran to the line well.

After considering the explanation provided by H Bowman, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by him were reasonable in the circumstances.

KAHOLO ANGEL and JOYFUL PROSPERITY were sent for sampling.