Recap by phillip woo

Rhapsody just held off the fast-finishing Telecom Rocket for the win after surging to the lead 200m out following a one-off run in second behind the leader Ares. He found the Valley to his liking after putting the writing on the wall with back-to-back placings at Sha Tin. Plunged late, Telecom Rocket let down well to make it close on the wire after biding his time fourth from the rear. It was another fine performance over this Valley trip following a win last start. Favourite What A Legend finished well over the final 150m to run a close third after coming off the fence 350m out following a rails run in midfield. He'll be winning shortly at this level. Punted late, Ares grudgingly gave way after finding the front 950 out. He stuck on better with a return to the level of a win in October. Jazz Steed got going late near the inside to earn a slice of the pie after settling near last from gate 12. He's in the right grade again but the draw cost him on this occasion. Loriz came up one-paced after settling in the box seat. He needed this run after lameness in November. Falcon Turbo didn't have clear running over the final 100m when trying to improve along the inside from behind midfield. He had an excuse.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (684) - SHAN PUI RIVER HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

As the start was effected, VOYAGE STAR lifted its front feet off the ground and began only fairly.

After this, VOYAGE STAR was ridden along for some distance to obtain a forward position, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field.

FALCON TURBO shifted out at the start and bumped TELECOM ROCKET which became unbalanced and was then crowded for room inside OURGOLDENRULES.

From wide barriers, MASTER ALBERT, CHIKORITA and JAZZ STEED were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Passing the 900 Metres, RHAPSODY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ARES.

At the entrance to the Straight, WHAT A LEGEND was shifted out away from the heels of LORIZ to obtain clear running.

After the 150 Metres, JAZZ STEED and FALCON TURBO brushed.

Passing the 50 Metres, FALCON TURBO raced tight inside JAZZ STEED which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding to FALCON TURBO.

Because of this, JAZZ STEED was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages.

Then close to the finishing line, FALCON TURBO was awkwardly placed behind ARES and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.

Throughout the race, LITTLE BIRD travelled wide and without cover.

A veterinary inspection of CHIKORITA immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate.

Acting on a recommendation from the Veterinary Officer, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, CHIKORITA will be referred to the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy for a further clinical assessment and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

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

WHAT A LEGEND, RHAPSODY and TELECOM ROCKET were sent for sampling.