Recap by phillip woo

August Moon took control 120m out after a prominent run to ring up a third win from five starts over this course and distance this season. He'll remain in the grade and another victory won't surprise. California Vanes just found one too good after hitting the front near the 200m chasing the leader Super Axiom on the fence. He's a winner waiting to happen. Prosecco just edged Eternal Bloom for third after a rails run in midfield. He proved a near win last start following a downgrade was not a fluke. Eternal Bloom got going from behind midfield to just miss a placing. He was set a harder task carrying more weight. Birdsville got up for a minor cheque after a rails run behind midfield. He's close to a bottom and might be worth a crack over the 1,400m. Good Beauty ran on without menacing from towards the rear. He needs a stronger rider. Super Axiom led and knocked up as expected. Gallant Hero got going late without ever looking a threat after biding his time third last from a wide draw. Smiling Collector finished well back after running off the track rounding the final bend following a prominent run without cover.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (588) - POTTINGER PEAK HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

TUNG HAYE HAYE, which was leaning on the inside of its stall, was slow to begin.

SMILING COLLECTOR shifted out at the start and bumped NOBLE DESIRE which was crowded for room inside SUPER AXIOM.

From the outside barriers, TOUCH FAITH and GALLANT HERO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Making the turn after the 900 Metres, AUGUST MOON was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CALIFORNIA VANES.

After shifting to the outside of GOOD BEAUTY in the early part of the Straight to obtain clear running, GALLANT HERO was directed to the inside of that horse when GOOD BEAUTY shifted to the outside of ETERNAL BLOOM as that horse shifted out marginally under pressure.

Then near the 100 Metres, GALLANT HERO was shifted in away from the heels of NOBLE DESIRE to continue improving.

Passing the 300 Metres, BIRDSVILLE was shifted to the inside of PROSECCO after being disappointed for running outside that horse.

When questioned, M L Yeung stated that SMILING COLLECTOR commenced to lay out shortly after the start.

He said the horse was manageable until the 900 Metres at which time he had to place some pressure on SMILING COLLECTOR as CALIFORNIA VANES was being steadied in advance of his mount.

He said when he did this SMILING COLLECTOR commenced to hang out and then hung out badly after the 800 Metres.

He said near the 600 Metres he observed that the bit worn by SMILING COLLECTOR was commencing to pull through the horse's mouth.

He said SMILING COLLECTOR continued to hang out rounding the Home Turn.

He said because of the racing manners of SMILING COLLECTOR in the middle stages, this resulted in the horse losing ground.

He added in the early part of the Straight SMILING COLLECTOR commenced to race more tractably, however, after the 200 Metres again got its head on the side and hung out.

He said at its first start when successful SMILING COLLECTOR was inclined to lay out, however, did not show any indication that it would race in the manner in which it did today.

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

The performance of SMILING COLLECTOR was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, SMILING COLLECTOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend.

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

SMILING COLLECTOR, AUGUST MOON and CALIFORNIA VANES were sent for sampling.