Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Money Catcher kept up a strong gallop after straightening two lengths on top after reclaiming the lead from Red Majesty 700m out for a second Group Three win this term. He lived up to a solid third in last month's HK Cup. Packing Award stayed on gamely to just take second after chasing the leaders one off in third. He loves the Valley despite racing seven points outside his handicap. Rise Brethren finished nicely to nearly take second after a patient ride third last. He raced above his handicap but is very honest. Looking Great just finished out of the placings after a prominent run on the fence. He was racing 11 points above his rating but was coming off a win. Plunged late, Butterfield ran on steadily without menacing from midfield. Age might be getting the better of him. Berlin Tango came from last down the outside to finish next best. He wasn't good enough at this level. Punted late, Cheerful Days had his chance after a handy run but found little when push came to shove. He's struggling to recapture top form this campaign.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (327) - THE JANUARY CUP (HANDICAP) - Class G3 - 1800Meters

EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was withdrawn by order of the Stewards after it was established that the horse had been inadvertently treated with an anti-ulcer medication this morning.

Mr J Size, trainer of EXCELLENT PROPOSAL, together with his stable staff, will be interviewed regarding this matter prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 15 January 2023.

Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

CHEERFUL DAYS shifted out at the start, resulting in CELESTIAL POWER being taken out onto GLORIOUS DRAGON which became unbalanced when bumping RISE BRETHREN which also became unbalanced.

BERLIN TANGO shifted out on jumping and hampered BUTTERFIELD.

After this, BERLIN TANGO was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

NEARLY FINE was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PACKING AWARD travelled keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind MONEY CATCHER when being steadied to obtain cover.

Passing the 1300 Metres, MONEY CATCHER momentarily raced tight inside RED MAJESTY which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding to MONEY CATCHER.

Rounding the Home Turn, GLORIOUS DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELESTIAL POWER.

NEARLY FINE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 150 Metres was shifted to the inside of BUTTERFIELD to continue improving.

Passing the 100 Metres, GLORIOUS DRAGON raced close to the heels of CHEERFUL DAYS when racing tight inside NEARLY FINE.

Close to the finishing line, RISE BRETHREN raced tight inside the heels of MONEY CATCHER and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.

MONEY CATCHER and PACKING AWARD were sent for sampling.