Recap by phillip woo

Breeders' Star responded nicely following a one-out, one-back run to take control 100m out. He had run very well in defeat in two prior starts over this course without conditions to suit from three outings with a return to Class Three. He might have the tools to win another before the handicapper has him. Peace N Prosperity finished nicely after travelling fourth from the rear to grab second in deep stretch. He's always a chance over the 1,200m at this course. Packing Stones gave a cheeky sight despite pressure to his outside to hold onto a placing at only his second local run. He looks and feels a nice sort who should get further than 1,200m and should be good for at least two wins next term. Charity Glory stalked the leader in second and grudgingly gave way over the last 100m. He hasn't run many bad races from his 13 starts this term but has trouble winning and might be in need of a break. Jolly Convergence ran on without menacing from midfield. He isn't far off a bottom. Favourite Iron Boy was given a lovely ride handy along the fence but found next to nothing when push came to shove. Victory Machine was posted deep without cover near the speed despite a good gate and came up one-paced over the last 150m out. It wasn't a bad effort despite a tough run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (657)-LE FRENCH MAY TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) - Class 3 - 1200Metres

LOADED, which was fractious after being loaded, turned its head to the left just prior to the start being effected and consequently was slow to begin.

WONDERFUL TIGER was also slow to begin.

HAPPY BAO BEI shifted out on jumping and lost ground.

Passing the 100 Metres, LOADED shifted out off the heels of CALIFORNIA ASPAR and inconvenienced HAPPY BAO BEI.

VICTORY MACHINE raced wide and without cover throughout the event.] When questioned, C Y Ho (CALIFORNIA ASPAR) and Apprentice H N Wong (HAPPY BAO BEI) were questioned in respect of their riding of their mounts in the early and middle stages.

C Y Ho stated that he was instructed to go forward on CALIFORNIA ASPAR and to lead if possible, but if the opportunity presented itself to find cover behind the lead, he should avail himself of that position.

He said he rode CALIFORNIA ASPAR positively in the early stages and when he realized that there were four horses vying for the lead, he steadied CALIFORNIA ASPAR and ascertained whether he could take a trailing position behind the leading horses.

He said however that when he did this JOLLY CONVERGENCE, which was racing to his inside and in a four wide position, was steadied and shifted back in to take up a three wide trailing position behind VICTORY MACHINE.

He said as a consequence his mount was left racing four wide and without cover and as he did not believe it was still viable for him to find a trailing position, he then pressed forward and was hopeful of crossing VICTORY MACHINE which was being steadied by its rider after the 900 Metres.

He said however that when he improved to the outside of VICTORY MACHINE, that horse then improved underneath CALIFORNIA ASPAR which prevented him from crossing and which forced him then to steady his mount and shift in behind VICTORY MACHINE.

Apprentice Wong advised that as HAPPY BAO BEI was ridden patiently at its last start and performed below expectations, he had specific instructions from its outside barrier to lead.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode HAPPY BAO BEI vigorously in the early stages, however, the horse was slow to muster speed.

He said he continued to ride HAPPY BAO BEI along rounding the first turn and pursued a forward position as he was instructed to do.

He said however that HAPPY BAO BEI was not able to show sufficient speed to cross runners to his inside and his mount was left extremely wife and without cover along the Back Straight and soon afterwards came under pressure.

Apprentice Wong was advised that whilst the Stewards appreciated that he was endeavouring to adhere to his instructions, in this instance he should have desisted from pressing forward well prior to the 600 Metres and at least have explored the opportunity to try and find a position closer to the rail which would have afforded his mount with more of an opportunity to close off the race.

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

The performance of INTREPIC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

IRON BOY, BREEDERS' STAR and PEACE N PROSPERITY were sent for sampling.