Recap by phillip woo

Punted late, California Vanes enjoyed an easy time in front after easily clearing to the lead 1,000m out from gate 11 and recorded his second win in Class Four this season. He had put the writing on the wall with his last-start placing but will again find it hard in Class Three next time. Strathpeffer was closing the gap late after his speed-tracking run. He is a winner waiting to happen, with seconds in two of his past three races. Sweet Diamond kept on one-paced after his box-seat run to finish a long-priced third. He appreciated returning to the course and distance of his win last year. More Rice made some ground from better than midfield. It was a positive effort on his debut. Soo Fresh ran on steadily without threatening the top four. Cobhfield made some ground late near the inside from towards the rear. Favourite Dream Pursuer ran on without threatening the placegetters after settling last from barrier 13. Cool Blue was a non-factor after settling towards the rear from gate 14. He is a better galloper on the dirt. Well-backed late, The Multiplier did not leave his barrier, but stewards deemed him a starter. He is a quirky type.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (781) - WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP 1200M HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

As the start was effected, THE MULTIPLIER refused to jump with the field and took no part in the event.

As THE MULTIPLIER had performed similarly at previous race starts, Trainer D A Hayes was advised that the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily at a minimum of three consecutive barrier trials and will also be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

MORE RICE jumped only fairly.

COOL BLUE jumped awkwardly and shifted out.

RATTAN WORLD and SWEET DIAMOND bumped shortly after the start.

From a wide barrier, COBHFIELD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 1000 Metres, LUCKY QUALITY lay in and lost ground, resulting in HERCULES having to be steadied.

COBHFIELD, which was following HERCULES and racing keenly, was then checked to avoid the heels of HERCULES.

On the Home Turn, HERCULES and RATTAN WORLD bumped as HERCULES endeavoured to shift out to improve.

Near the 300 Metres, LUCKY QUALITY was shifted to the outside of SOO FRESH to obtain clear running, resulting in RATTAN WORLD and DREAM PURSUER being taken out.

K Teetan (STRATHPEFFER) was reprimanded for raising his whip arm above shoulder height whilst riding his mount along in the Home Straight.

NAMJONG SINGS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

When questioned regarding STRATHPEFFER racing in a forward position, K Teetan stated that with his mount stepping up in distance to the 1200 Metres, he was given the option of obtaining a more forward position if STRATHPEFFER commenced well.

He added when positioned wide in the early stages, he allowed his mount to stride forward and take up a position near the lead.

When questioned regarding his riding of DREAM PURSUER, H Bowman stated that from a wide barrier he was required to ride his mount conservatively in the early stages.

He added making the Home Turn he was not able to improve when held up behind RATTAN WORLD and for this reason he was unable to fully test his mount until entering the Home Straight although DREAM PURSUER was hampered near the 300 Metres when taken wider.

He added that DREAM PURSUER ran to the line reasonably well.

A veterinary inspection of DREAM PURSUER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of LUCKY FUN and COOL BLUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

DREAM PURSUER, CALIFORNIA VANES and STRATHPEFFER were sent for sampling.