Recap by phillip woo

Golden Empire held off newcomer Helios Express after rushing to the lead 200m out following his box-seat run. It was his fourth win from 15 starts, and Francis Lui produced an excellent training performance because his galloper suffered a setback with lameness in February. Helios Express dashed nicely to make it close on the wire after a patient ride three from the rear. It was a thrilling debut performance, and he is crying out for a longer trip. Flying Ace stayed on nicely to take third after his wide run without cover in midfield. He is a winner waiting to happen with placings in his past two starts following his lengthy break. Winner Method lost a placing late following his speed-chasing run. It was another honest effort following his last-start win on a wet track. Self Improvement kept on well after his one-out, one-back run. It was a pleasing effort on his local debut. Happy Golf ran on without threatening after his wide trip with cover behind midfield. He is having trouble adapting to a rise in class. Ace One came up flat following his midfield trip one off the fence. He is mixing his form. Joyful Friendship made some ground from worse than midfield on the inside. It was an OK effort on his local debut.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (717) - KAU TO SHAN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to MERCHANT PRINCE was replaced.

On arrival at the Start, H T Mo (EXCELLENT DADDY) expressed concern regarding the action of the horse.

EXCELLENT DADDY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race.

After the race, H T Mo reported that making the Home Turn he had some concern with his mount's action and for this reason did not ride it along through that section of the race.

A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT DADDY immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer??which had previously been reported and to have sustained a small abrasion to the left front cannon.

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

FLYING DRAGON jumped only fairly.

HAPPY GOLF jumped awkwardly and then was crowded between SELF IMPROVEMENT and MIGHTY ARMOUR which shifted out, resulting in HAPPY GOLF becoming unbalanced when it bumped with SELF IMPROVEMENT.

Then in the early stages, HAPPY GOLF raced ungenerously and got its head up on a number of occasions.

HELIOS EXPRESS was bumped at the start by STREET CONQUEROR which shifted in.

Shortly after the start, EXCELLENT DADDY was bumped by FLYING ACE which shifted in, resulting in EXCELLENT DADDY making contact with the hindquarters of SELF IMPROVEMENT and becoming unbalanced.

In the early and middle stages, MIGHTY ARMOUR raced keenly.

After the 800 Metres, FLYING ACE raced wide and without cover.

SELF IMPROVEMENT raced ungenerously in the middle stages, got its head up and lay out.

After the 350 Metres, ACE ONE was held up when disappointed for clear running between HAPPY GOLF and FLYING ACE.

Again near the 200 Metres, ACE ONE was held up behind FLYING ACE for a short distance.

Near the 150 Metres, JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP was shifted to the outside of VALIANT ELEGANCE to continue into clear running.

Then near the 75 Metres, JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP was awkwardly placed to the inside of SELF IMPROVEMENT which shifted in slightly and as a result could not be ridden out to the finish of the event.

Approaching the 100 Metres, HAPPY GOLF, which was inclined to lay in, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING ACE when that runner shifted out slightly.

A veterinary inspection of ACE ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

GOLDEN EMPIRE and HELIOS EXPRESS were sent for sampling.