Recap by phillip woo

Firming favourite Super Highway came from behind midfield on the fence to knock off Awesome Treasure 50m out for two wins in the space of six days. He has appreciated the sting out of the ground on both occasions. Awesome Treasure found one just too good after hitting the front 200m out following a prominent run. It was another honest effort in the grade. Chilli Baba came from well back to snatch third travelling last after a slow start. He's still a work in progress but did win on debut from his opening three starts. Timestorm was collared late for third after making his run one off from behind midfield. California Concord ran on steadily to finish next best after a two-to-three deep run from midfield. He seems more effective nowadays on the dirt. Brave And Bold made some ground late without menacing travelling three from the rear. It was a better effort at his second career start. E Brother weakened after chasing the leader Beat Hollow. He's found things harder carrying top weight in back-to-back runs after winning three of four straight runs. Leather Vanguard made some ground from towards the rear.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (655) - MACAU-TAIPA BRIDGE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

RACING FIGHTER was withdrawn on 12.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BRAVE AND GOLD (Z Purton).

Before being allowed to race again, RACING FIGHTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

E BROTHER jumped awkwardly.

SUPER HIGHWAY shifted out at the start and bumped with LEATHER VANGUARD.

Shortly afterwards, LEATHER VANGUARD then raced tight to the inside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD for a short distance.

Approaching the 800 Metres, TIMESTORM commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD.

On the Home Turn, CALIFORNIA CONCORD lay out.

Over the final 200 Metres, AWESOME TREASURE shifted out when being ridden along, resulting in SUPER HIGHWAY being carried out over that section of the race.

When questioned, C Y Ho (CHILLI BABA) reported that his mount was standing awkwardly in the gates and as the start was effected made contact with the left side of its barrier, became unbalanced and lost ground.

He added that throughout the early stages whilst he encouraged CHILLI BABA to improve its position, he was reluctant to place full pressure on his mount as at its previous race starts it had an inclination to hang out and proved difficult to ride.

He said from the 900 Metres he was obliged to ride CHILLI BABA along to endeavour to make ground on the field, however, CHILLI BABA continued to lay out, raced greenly and proved difficult to place under pressure making the turn between the 900 Metres and the 500 Metres.

He further stated that once entering the Home Straight when balanced, CHILLI BABA gained confidence, raced truly and consequently found the line strongly.

When questioned regarding his riding out of LEATHER VANGUARD in the Straight, B Avdulla stated that under pressure his mount was inclined to lay out.

He added that near het 100 Metres he became awkwardly placed close to BEAT HOLLOW when that runner gave ground and shifted in slightly.

He said after securing clear running inside the 100 Metres LEATHER VANGUARD continued to lay out and proved difficult to ride to the finish although, in his opinion, its run had ended inside the 100 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of E BROTHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of BEAT HOLLOW immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, BEAT HOLLOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SUPER HIGHWAY and AWESOME TREASURE were sent for sampling.