RACE 1 (745)

Began well from gate 1, raced in midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, finished off strongly to score by a neck.

Incident Report
Approaching the 150 Metres shifted to the outside of THE WAY WE WIN to secure clear running and as a result made contact with WAH MAY WAI WAI. After obtaining clear running to the outside of THE WAY WE WIN passing the 150 Metres was then inconvenienced when taken wider by THE WAY WE WIN which shifted out under pressure. Sent for sampling post-race.

Made contact shortly after start, sent forward to take the lead, led by 1-1/4L turning in, kept on well in straight but unable to hold off the winner in the closing stages.

Incident Report
Bumped shortly after the start. Sent for sampling post-race.

Taken back from a wide draw, raced at rear on the outside, very wide turning in, made good progress in straight to take a place, no threat to the first two. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
H Bentley stated that his instructions were to attempt to find a midfield position with cover. He said when caught wide in the early stages and when a number of runners showed superior pace he elected to settle slightly further back than intended to ensure that his mount was able to obtain cover.

Taken back to race behind midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, kept to inside after straightening and made some progress.

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Moderately away, raced better than midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, kept on well early in straight, no extra final 100M.

Incident Report
Bumped approaching the 150 Metres.

Began well from the widest draw, raced slightly better than midfield on outer early, moved closer after passing 1000M, 2nd in the middle stages, peaked early in straight, weakened final 100M.

Incident Report
After improving to the inside of SMART TRIO approaching the 1400 Metres then raced tight near the 1300 Metres to the inside of SMART TRIO when SMART TRIO shifted in slightly before being corrected by its rider.

Restrained to race 2 wide, 4 lengths back, angled out 350M, very wide turning in, kept on same pace in straight.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly. For a short distance near the 150 Metres raced tight to the inside of TELECOM POWER which shifted in.

Jumped with them, raced in midfield on the outside, 3 lengths or so back turning in, showed limited response early in straight, weakened gradually final 100M. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
When questioned regarding his riding and the reason he made a forward move from the 700 Metres B Avdulla stated that his instructions were to obtain a handy position. He said after settling back in a midfield position following HAPPY BUDDIES he elected to make a forward move from the 700 Metres although he was aware that the early and middle stages of the event had been run inside of standard time. He said his decision to go forward at that point was due to the fact that PRINCE ALEX is one-paced and that he was of the opinion HAPPY BUDDIES and SMART TRIO, which were racing in advance of PRINCE ALEX, would not provide him with the opportunity to improve into the event. He added that he was also influenced by the fact that PRINCE ALEX had won previously when being ridden in a similar manner.

Taken back from a wide draw, raced at rear on the inside, angled out 400M, 5 to 6 lengths back turning in, inclined to hang in early in straight, short of room final 150M. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 150 Metres was steadied when disappointed for clear running between CASA LEGEND and PRINCE ALEX which shifted out. C L Chau reported that his mount hung in when placed under pressure in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Away with them, raced 3 wide better than midfield early, positioned in 2nd after passing 1150M, allowed rival to cross 650M, 2 lengths or so back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened thereafter.

Incident Report
No report.

Made contact shortly after start, raced 2 wide better than midfield, dropped to midfield on turn, peaked early in straight, weakened gradually final 150M.

Incident Report
Shortly after the start shifted out and made contact with THE WAY WE WIN. Throughout the early stages raced keenly. Near the 1000 Metres was steadied to avoid SMART TRIO (L Hewitson) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. L Hewitson was advised to exercise more care.

Out in line, raced 2 wide towards rear, 7 lengths back, last turning in, failed to make any progress in straight.

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