Recap by phillip woo

In a thrilling finish, Explosive Witness responded when asked for an effort to get up 50m out following a handy run in the five-horse field. He relished the light weight despite the big step up in class but has been racing well this season. Stronger made it close on the wire after getting impeded by the favourite Computer Patch 250m out following a prominent run on the stand side. He goes well over this trip. Big Party just lost second after coming on to challenge on the far side at the 150m following a patient ride. He's never usually too far off the finish. Amazing Star grudgingly gave way after hitting the front 200m out following a pace-pressing run. It was a good run in defeat but he clearly grows an extra leg at the Valley. Odds-on favourite Computer Patch was struggling 200m out after dictating the run. He failed to run up to expectations but was carrying top weight.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (308) - THE BAUHINIA SPRINT TROPHY (HANDICAP) - Class G3 - 1000Meters

STRONGER began awkwardly.

AMAZING STAR lost its left front plate in the early stages.

For some distance approaching the 700 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS proved difficult to settle and got its head up.

After improving into a narrow run to the outside of COMPUTER PATCH (J Moreira) approaching the 300 Metres, STRONGER was then momentarily crowded near the 250 Metres when COMPUTER PATCH shifted out slightly when placed under pressure.

J Moreira was advised to exercise more care.

In this incident, COMPUTER PATCH became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters.

Then after passing the 200 Metres, COMPUTER PATCH was steadied away from the heels of AMAZING STAR (T Piccone) which shifted out under pressure.

T Piccone was also advised to exercise more care and ensure that he keeps his mounts straight.

Approaching and passing the 50 Metres, STRONGER raced in restricted room outside AMAZING STAR which continued to shift out slightly under pressure.

A Badel, the rider of EXPLOSIVE WITNESS, was warned against the practice of using his whip forward of the saddle.

When questioned, J Moreira stated that COMPUTER PATCH did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race.

He said the horse came under heavy pressure mid-race, did not respond to his riding thereafter and was most disappointing.

He said although the horse was carrying top weight today, this did not provide sufficient reason for its disappointing performance.

Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of COMPUTER PATCH, stated that the only explanation he could offer for the disappointing performance of the horse was that it was considerably up in weight.

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

The performance of COMPUTER PATCH, favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable.

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

COMPUTER PATCH, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS and STRONGER were sent for sampling.