Recap by phillip woo

Super Alliances kept on nicely to make it back-to-back wins after surging to the front 250m out following a three-deep run with cover in midfield. He's racing very well on this surface and can hold his own up in class off a light weight. Star Superior closed well to grab second after peeling into the open rounding the final bend following a rail run in midfield. He had been knocking on the door in his opening three runs until a flat effort last start. El Jefe was making up ground with every stride to make it close for second after biding his time three deep with cover behind midfield. He lived up to a solid trial on the dirt. Post-time favourite Jade Phoenix lost a placing late but still stayed on well for fourth after copping a check 200m out following a handy run. It was another honest effort with a switch to the dirt. Jade Theatre ran on without menacing from towards the rear. He'll be one to keep safe with Class Five looming large.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (223) - CHEVALIER CONSTRUCTION HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

PERFECT TO PLAY was slow to begin.

LUCKY TURBO began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between WINNING STRIKES which shifted out and SUPER ALLIANCES which shifted in after stumbling at the start.

Passing the 800 Metres, SUPER ALLIANCES was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JADE PHOENIX.

Then making the turn near the 700 Metres, SUPER ALLIANCES was shifted out away from the heels of JADE PHOENIX.

JADE THEATRE got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 700 Metres.

For some distance rounding the Home Turn, JADE PHOENIX and SUPER ALLIANCES raced tight as JADE PHOENIX attempted to shift out to obtain clear running.

Then in the early part of the Straight, JADE PHOENIX lay in towards the heels of WINNING STRIKES.

Near the 250 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was checked when crowded for rom between SUPER ALLIANCES and WINNING STRIKES (M L Yeung) which shifted out after initially shifting in.

M L Yeung was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances.

RESOLUTE was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres.

RESOLUTE was then awkwardly placed behind WINNING STRIKES approaching the 50 Metres.

Approaching the 200 Metres, WINNING STRIKES shifted out under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten.

Throughout the race, WINNING STRIKES travelled wide and without cover.

T Piccone (LUCKY DIAMOND) was warned against the practice of raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder.

After the race, Z Purton stated that after beginning well, VICTORY IN HAND initially travelled satisfactorily, however, after being crossed by HANDSOME REBEL near the 800 Metres immediately came off the bridle and he had to commence riding his mount along.

He said when he did this, VICTORY IN HAND commenced to make an abnormal breathing noise which it did for the remainder of the race.

He added VICTORY IN HAND was under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and then gave ground noticeably in the Straight.

A veterinary inspection of VICTORY IN HAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of VICTORY IN HAND, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable.

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

A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME REBEL and RESOLUTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

JADE PHOENIX, SUPER ALLIANCES and STAR SUPERIOR were sent for sampling.