Recap by phillip woo

After hitting the front 50m out following a wide trip travelling fourth last, Hercules just defeated Harmony N Home. He had been knocking on the door in each of his past three starts. Harmony N Home dashed nicely widest out to make it close on the wire after settling last from gate 11. He relished the downgrade after hitting the line better for fifth last start. Double Show ran on to fill a placing after a rails run from behind midfield. He did win well two runs ago over the 1,000m before failing last start with blood in his trachea. Noir Rider ended fourth after poking his head in front 100m out following a one-off trip from behind midfield. He's not easy to get right. H Z Tourbillon was doing his best work late after patient ride two from the rear. He's never far off the finish but has trouble winning. Firming favourite Colonel weakened in the run to the wire after poking his head in front 200m out following a speed-tracking run outside Island Surprise. He cost punters this time but is well rated at this level. Wind Speeder just held his ground after a handy run one off the fence. He's not genuine.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two : (380) - FLEMING HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

Horse No 1 HARMONY N HOME (C531) Y L Chung From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that when being placed under pressure near the 200 Metres, he dropped his left rein for a number of strides which he attributed to some moisture being present on his reins.

Apprentice Chung was advised that he must, wherever possible, maintain control of his reins to allow him to continue to ride his mounts out without having to regather his reins.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 2 HERCULES (C476) H Bowman Bumped shortly after the start.

Approaching the 500 Metres lay in before being corrected by its rider H Bowman.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 3 COLONEL (D090) Z Purton Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 4 TIMESTORM (G109) E C W Wong Shortly after the start became unbalanced when it bumped with ISLAND SURPRISE.

When questioned, Apprentice E C W Wong stated that he was instructed to hold a midfield position.

He said when caught wide in the early stages and as his mount was travelling well, he elected to allow TIMESTORM to stride forward and lead to avoid covering additional ground.

Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions issued.

Horse No 5 WIND SPEEDER (E281) M Chadwick Approaching the 100 Metres was awkwardly placed close to NOIR RIDER and at the same point, its rider, M Chadwick, had his whip entangled in his reins as he endeavoured to pull it through to his right hand.

Horse No 6 BAYVIEW STAR (G411) K De Melo Jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was bumped heavily by TIMESTORM, resulting in BAYVIEW STAR becoming unbalanced and losing ground.

Horse No 7 MODEST GENTLEMAN (G352) A Atzeni Bumped shortly after the start.

Raced keenly in the middle stages and was obliged to race wide and without cover from the 700 Metres.

After the race, A Atzeni stated that, in his opinion, MODEST GENTLEMAN would be better suited over a distance of 1000 Metres.

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

The performance of MODEST GENTLEMAN was considered to be disappointing as compared to its last start win.

Before being allowed to race again, MODEST GENTLEMAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Horse No 8 H Z TOURBILLON (E149) C L Chau Bumped shortly after the start.

After the 200 Metres was held up for clear running between HERCULES and DOUBLE SHOW which shifted out slightly.

After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on H Z TOURBILLON at the request of Trainer T P Yung.

The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, H Z TOURBILLON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Horse No 9 GET THE MONIES (G168) L Ferraris From the 350 Metres until the 200 Metres was held up for clear running.

Horse No 10 ISLAND SURPRISE (E429) K C Leung After the race, K C Leung reported that after travelling satisfactorily in the early stages in a forward position, his mount failed to respond to his riding in the Home Straight.

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