Recap by phillip woo

Leslie quickened nicely to just nail Always Fluke in the final few strides from behind midfield for a return to the winner's circle at his second start this term down in Class Four. Always Fluke was collared late after surging to the front 200m out after a wide with cover run from midfield. It was a solid effort carrying more weight following a last start win. Pins Prince ran on nicely to finish a close third after getting held up for a run from midfield until peeling into the open 150m out. He's building towards a win in his three starts this term. River Views grudgingly gave way to just miss a placing after clearing to the lead from gate 12. He's racing well. Firming favourite Top Top Tea just missed the frame after a one-out, one-back run. He had no excuse but should come on for the run. Go Go Go ran on reasonably well after settling four from the rear. It was a typical effort. Chilli Baba finished next best after getting badly held up for a run until passing the 200m following a patient ride three from the rear. He should have finished closer.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four : (85) - SUN TIN WAI HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1400Meters

Horse No 1 TOP TOP TEA (H048) Z Purton Approaching the 900 Metres commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied away from CRYSTAL POWERFUL.

Then continued to race keenly in the middle stages.

Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 2 LESLIE (E471) Y L Chung Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 4 PINS PRINCE (G013) H Bowman Raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 850 Metres shifted out slightly when being steadied away from WIDE BLUE YONDER.

From the 400 Metres to the 250 Metres was held up for clear running.

Horse No 5 ALWAYS FLUKE (H252) C Y Ho Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 6 CHILLI BABA (G339) B Avdulla Close to the finish could not be fully ridden out when positioned tight between LESLIE and PINS PRINCE.

The Stewards opened an inquiry into B Avdulla's riding of CHILLI BABA between the 400 Metres and the 200 Metres.

Evidence was taken from Jockey Avdulla and Trainer P F Yiu.

B Avdulla stated that from the inside barrier he was instructed to hold a midfield position but was issued with no specific instructions as to when to place his mount under pressure.

He said after following PINS PRINCE into the race, he elected to remain racing behind that runner on straightening with a view to improving behind it.

He said when PINS PRINCE became held up and did not proceed forward, this resulted in CHILLI BABA also being held up behind that runner before he then shifted to its outside near the 300 Metres to look for clear running.

He added between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres he was unable to commit to a run to the outside of TOP TOP TEA as he was concerned that HERO ICON was giving ground and for this reason he did not immediately shift out.

He further stated that approaching the 200 Metres he was able to direct CHILLI BABA to the outside of TOP TOP TEA and HERO ICON whereby CHILLI BABA initially responded well to his riding before its run ended near the 100 Metres.

Mr Yiu confirmed the instructions issued and expressed satisfaction with the manner in which B Avdulla rode the horse.

After considering the evidence, the Stewards advised B Avdulla that he had persevered for too long behind PINS PRINCE and TOP TOP TEA when there was an opportunity to shift to the outside of those runners sooner to present CHILLI BABA with clear running.

In electing not to take the matter further, the Stewards were mindful that CHILLI BABA had peaked on its run at the 100 Metres and could not be satisfied that B Avdulla's actions had impacted on the finishing position of CHILLI BABA.

However, Jockey Avdulla was advised that he must ensure he shows better judgement and reacts quicker to ensure that his mounts are given first available opportunity to improve.

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

Horse No 7 G LINER (H072) K C Leung Was crowded shortly after the start.

Raced keenly in the middle stages and making the turn approaching the 800 Metres got its head up and shifted out.

Horse No 8 LUCKY BANNER (G354) L Currie Near the 1100 Metres, when racing keenly, was crossed by ALWAYS FLUKE (C Y Ho) which shifted in when not clear.

C Y Ho was reprimanded.

Horse No 11 CRYSTAL POWERFUL (H068) M Chadwick Was noted to have blood in the mouth on arrival at the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.

Horse No 12 DASHING GLORY (G397) H T Mo Jumped awkwardly and then was bumped at the start.

Passing the 1300 Metres was briefly crowded by LUCKY BANNER which shifted in before being corrected by its rider L Currie.

Horse No 13 HERO ICON (G422) M F Poon Passing the 150 Metres was steadied when crowded between CHILLI BABA and PINS PRINCE which shifted out slightly.

Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

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

Horse No 14 GO GO GO (H196) A Atzeni Was bumped at the start.

Near the 850 Metres, when racing keenly, was steadied to avoid the heels of LESLIE.

From the 350 Metres to the 250 Metres was held up for clear running.

At the 250 Metres was then directed to the outside of LUCKY BANNER but then raced in restricted room until the 200 Metres between KING OF THE COURT and LUCKY BANNER which shifted out under pressure.