GOOD GAINS began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, SLEEP WELL was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE WINNER which shifted in. Near the 1700 Metres, HORACE’S LEGEND was steadied away from the heels of BRAVE SPIRIT which shifted out. In the early stages, FORTUNE WINNER proved difficult to settle. When questioned regarding the performance of BRAVE SPIRIT, which was racing for the first time over 1800 Metres today, Apprentice M Chadwick stated that BRAVE SPIRIT travelled comfortably once it obtained the lead. He said in the early part of the Straight BRAVE SPIRIT responded to his riding when challenged by BILLION, however, over the final 200 Metres was somewhat disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He added, in his opinion, BRAVE SPIRIT may not have handled the step up in distance to 1800 Metres and also did not appreciate the “Good to Yielding” track conditions. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. GLORY OF INDIA, DASH AHEAD and BILLION were sent for sampling.
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