Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Star Luck split the leaders to take control 100m following a box-seat run after a tardy break. He was suited by a return to the dirt with a 10-pound claimer guiding from a good gate. Old-timer Grand Harbour kept up a strong gallop after sitting outside the leader Sky Treasure from a wide gate to fill the Quinella spot with money coming for him late. Sky Treasure had little left in the tank 100m out after dictating the run. It was another good run in defeat carrying six pounds more following last-start win. Bond Elegance just out-dashed the late-plunged Hearts Keeper with a move down the outside from the rear of the field to finish a distant fourth. Hearts Keeper made some ground following a midfield run on the fence. It was another honest effort but age is getting the better of him. Ever Strong stayed on all right after a deep run near the back from a wide gate. He doesn't have much upside off his current mark.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (736) - SILVERSTRAND HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

KANBEKI MOLLY was slow to begin, shifted out at the start and bumped STAR LUCK.

This resulted in KANBEKI MOLLY losing further ground.

BOND ELEGANCE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

After beginning only fairly, STAR LUCK (Apprentice K H Chan) was then hard ridden to improve its position to be racing inside the heels of SKY TREASURE which shifted in.

This resulted in STAR LUCK shifting in across the running of HEARTS KEEPER near the 1000 Metres, causing that horse to lose ground.

Apprentice Chan was reprimanded and told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should not have continued to attempt to improve inside SKY TREASURE where there was clearly insufficient room.

FLYING GODSPELL lost its left front plate after the 1100 Metres.

At the entrance to the Straight, LUNAR ZEPHYR was checked away from the heels of CORRE RAPIDO.

Throughout the race, FLYING GODSPELL travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned regarding his riding of LUNAR ZEPHYR in the early stages, K C Ng stated that he was instructed to obtain a forward position and it was expected that LUNAR ZEPHYR would be able to race in the first three.

He said LUNAR ZEPHYR began awkwardly and shifted out towards the hindquarters of VERY LUCKY, resulting in the horse losing ground.

He said when runners to his outside, namely VERY LUCKY and CORRE RAPIDO, showed more early speed than LUNAR ZEPHYR, this resulted in the horse racing much further back in the field than had been intended.

He said when he rode the horse at its last start over the course and distance, it showed good early speed to lead the race, however, LUNAR ZEPHYR did not show the same early speed in tonight's race.

K C Ng was advised that his riding of LUNAR ZEPHYR in the early stages had come under notice and he must ensure that he rides his mounts with sufficient purpose to be able to take up a position in accordance with his instructions.

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

STAR LUCK and GRAND HARBOUR were sent for sampling.