Recap by phillip woo

So We Joy got the gaps when needed near the inside to collar Apache Pass in the dying stages for a second course-and-distance win this season. He loves the dirt but will need to lift in Class Two next time out. Early favourite Apache Pass did everything right but get the win after poking his head in front 100m out following a box-seat run. He continues his solid form over this AWT trip. Chancheng Prince only died on his run late after working to the lead 300m out chasing the speed wide without cover. He was in an easier class with a return to his favourite course and distance. Handsome Twelve came from near last at the top of the straight to fill the frame. It was another good effort on the surface following a win last month in Class Four. True Legend just plodded over the last 100m following a pace-stalking run. He requires rating relief. Post-time favourite Amazing Teens had his chance after a handy run along the fence. He might be better suited over 1,800m now. Decrypt ran on without menacing from near the rear. It wasn't a bad run. Ultra Express left things too late travelling last from a wide draw.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (777) - LUNG MUN ROAD HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1650Meters

ROMANTIC COMBO was withdrawn on 23.6.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever).

Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC COMBO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

AMAZING TEENS and FLYING DRAGON bumped at the start.

SO WE JOY shifted out on jumping and bumped HANDSOME TWELVE.

RED DESERT began awkwardly and shifted out, inconveniencing ULTRA EXPRESS.

After this, ULTRA EXPRESS was shifted across behind runners.

Also from wide barriers, DECRYPT and HELENE WISDOM STAR were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

VILLA FIONN lost its right front plate in the early stages.

Near the 1300 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE was left racing wide and without cover.

Passing the 800 Metres, HELENE WISDOM STAR was left racing wide and without cover.

HANDSOME TWELVE was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, lay in and was reluctant to shift to the outside of HELENE WISDOM STAR approaching and passing the 300 Metres.

After this, HANDSOME TWELVE continued to lay in and proved difficult to ride.

Over the concluding stages, CHANCHENG PRINCE and APACHE PASS raced tight.

When questioned, A Hamelin stated that he was instructed to shift RED DESERT across behind runners from a wide barrier and obtain a position with cover if possible.

He said when commencing to shift RED DESERT in passing the winning post on the first occasion, his mount commenced to race ungenerously and hung out.

He said RED DESERT continued to hang out for a considerable distance and he had to place heavy pressure on the right rein in order to prevent RED DESERT from shifting towards the outside.

He said it was not until after the 1000 Metres that RED DESERT commenced to race more tractably.

He said because of RED DESERT's racing manners in the early stages, the horse was then not able to finish the race off.

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

The performance of RED DESERT was considered unacceptable.

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

A veterinary inspection of HELENE WISDOM STAR and FLYING DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

AMAZING TEENS, SO WE JOY and APACHE PASS were sent for sampling.