Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Natural Storm finished nicely down the far outside to overhaul Above 50m out after making his run second last following his tardy start in the eight-horse field. He relished his return to the course and distance of his December victory. Above did everything right but get the win after moving to the front 100m out from better than midfield. He produced a better effort than his previous run, and like the winner, appreciated getting back to his favourite Happy Valley 2,200m. Total Power edged S J Tourbillon in the dying stages for third after his prominent run on the fence. He tends to mix his form. S J Tourbillon weakened over the last 100m after circling the field to lead 600m out. He did not get a race run to suit, and he is more effective at Sha Tin. Round The Earth kept on evenly after his rail run from midfield. He is still acclimatising. Enjoying gradually faded after dictating the early pace. He is not racing well, and he prefers Sha Tin. Escape Route was gone rounding the final bend after his speed-chasing run with late-market action. He could not cope over a longer trip carrying top weight.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (569) - COCHRANE HANDICAP - Class 3 - 2200Meters

NATURAL STORM jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

From the outside barriers, S J TOURBILLON and ROUND THE EARTH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

After travelling a short distance, S J TOURBILLON (L Hewitson) shifted in and made contact with NATURAL STORM, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

L Hewitson was advised to exercise more care.

Near the 2000 Metres, CAN'T GO WONG got its head up when being crossed by ESCAPE ROUTE.

Approaching the 1000 Metres, NATURAL STORM commenced to race keenly, improved to the inside of ABOVE and was steadied.

S J TOURBILLON, which was following, was steadied to avoid the heels of NATURAL STORM and shortly afterwards was allowed to stride forward, however, was obliged to race wide and without cover thereafter.

TOTAL POWER had some difficulty obtaining clear running making the Home Turn when awkwardly placed close to CAN'T GO WONG.

Near the 300 Metres, ROUND THE EARTH was steadied and shifted to the inside of ESCAPE ROUTE to obtain clear running.

Over the final 200 Metres, NATURAL STORM was inclined to lay out under pressure, resulting in its rider, K Teetan, having to stop riding and straighten on several occasions.

After the race, Z Purton (ESCAPE ROUTE) could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of his mount.

A veterinary inspection of ESCAPE ROUTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of ESCAPE ROUTE was considered unacceptable.

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

Also after the race, K C Leung (CAN'T GO WONG) reported that his mount failed to run out tonight's 2200 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of CAN'T GO WONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of CAN'T GO WONG, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, CAN'T GO WONG will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

NATURAL STORM and ABOVE were sent for sampling.