Recap by phillip woo

Golden Effort held off the late surge of Goldie Flanker after hitting the front 80m out following a prominent run on the fence to open his win account at start eight off a light weight. The return to the dirt and wet ground appeared to suit him. Goldie Flanker zipped home down the outside after a patient ride third from the rear to snatch second close to home. Giddy Giddy was beaten all that far in the end after working hard in front after taking until the 1,000m to clear to the lead from a wide gate. It was a good effort in defeat and he'll be winning shortly if he remains in the class. Flying Godspell made headway travelling midfield following a slow break to fill the frame. He's near a bottom. Cheer Win ran on steadily after travelling behind midfield on the fence. Favourite Gallant Return didn't find much following a handy run in his dirt debut.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (569) - PORT SHELTER HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

Whilst in the saddling stalls, GALLANT RETURN had its left front plate refitted.

GALLANT RETURN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

FLYING GODSPELL was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GALLANT RETURN which shifted out.

WONDERFUL TIGER, which began awkwardly, and LUCKY SHINY DAY were crowded for room on jumping between GOLDEN EFFORT and STRIKING MR C which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider.

From a wide barrier, GOLDIE FLANKER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

STRIKING MR C got its head on the side and lay out in the middle stages and rounding the Home Turn.

Passing the 250 Metres, WONDERFUL TIGER was shifted out away from the heels of FLYING GODSPELL which shifted out under pressure.

Apprentice H N Wong (WONDERFUL TIGER) dropped his whip near the 150 Metres.

In the Straight, GOLDIE FLANKER shifted out under pressure.

When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that near the 600 Metres he shifted GALLANT RETURN out to race behind GOLDEN EFFORT with a view to shifting out further to that horse's outside rounding the Home Turn.

He said at this time STRIKING MR C was racing to the outside of GALLANT RETURN and although that horse was laying out, he did not believe that there was sufficient room for him to improve between GOLDEN EFFORT and STRIKING MR C near the 500 Metres.

He said as STRIKING MR C had an advantage over GALLANT RETURN, he was reluctant to improve into tight running between that horse and GOLDEN EFFORT as he was concerned that STRIKING MR C would shift in which would result in GALLANT RETURN being checked.

He said for this reason he remained racing behind GOLDEN EFFORT and shifted to the inside of that horse into clear running at the entrance to the Straight.

He added after this GALLANT RETURN did not have the same turn of foot as GOLDEN EFFORT, however, still finished off the race fairly.

After the race, A Sanna stated that SUNSHINE UNIVERSE did not feel comfortable in its action.

A veterinary inspection of SUNSHINE UNIVERSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

Before being allowed to race again, SUNSHINE UNIVERSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Also after the race, D Whyte stated that the middle stages of the race were run at a tempo which did not suit NICE FANDANGO and resulted in the horse being off the bridle earlier than he had hoped.

He said because of this NICE FANDANGO was then not able to finish off the race.

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

GALLANT RETURN, GOLDEN EFFORT and GOLDIE FLANKER were sent for sampling.