Recap by phillip woo

Firming favourite Diamond Brilliant overhauled long-time leader Whiskey Neat 250m out for the win following a pace-stalking run. It's just his second win from 25 starts but he's always a chance at this level and goes very well for Zac Purton. Whiskey Neat wouldn't go down without a fight after clearing to the front 1,000m out from an awkward gate. It was another fine effort without saluting this season. So Awesome ran on steadily following a rails run better than midfield to fill a placing. He's as honest as the day is long without winning. Sparkling Star ran on very well to fill the frame after his usual spot towards the rear. It was a good effort in his first start following a bleeding attack in September. Touch Faith came up one-paced over the final 150m following a box-seat run. He had his chance but was only having his second ever start. Iron King made headway late after biding his time three deep second from the rear. He'll need to draw a better gate to be competitive at this level. Vigor Champ came up one-paced after slotting one off in midfield from a wide draw. He's likely on or near his mark following a win two runs back.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (671) - SAPPHIRE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

On entering the track, WHISKEY NEAT bumped the running rail.

On arrival at the start, WHISKEY NEAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race.

Also on arrival at the Start, it was noted that TOUCH FAITH had blood in its mouth.

TOUCH FAITH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race.

HEARTY WISH began only fairly.

SPARKLING STAR began awkwardly and then was taken out by RUBY STARS which resulted in SPARKLING STAR and HEROIC CHAMPION bumping.

VIGOR CHAMP stumbled at the start, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced.

Then despite being ridden along from the outside barrier, VIGOR CHAMP was slow to muster speed and subsequently for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.

From wide barriers, TRAVEL GLORY and IRON KING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.

Making the turn near the 900 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANT raced tight outside TOUCH FAITH which shifted out marginally.

HEARTY WISH made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly.

IRON KING also made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly and then when travelling keenly was checked away from the heels of HEROIC CHAMPION after being awkwardly placed behind that horse.

Passing the 800 Metres, SO AWESOME was checked away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH.

Near the 250 Metres, SO AWESOME was shifted out away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH which shifted out under pressure.

SPARKLING STAR, which was following SO AWESOME, was shifted to the inside of that horse passing the 200 Metres to continue improving.

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

DIAMOND BRILLIANT and WHISKEY NEAT were sent for sampling.