Following race 1, a section of the track near the 400m was deemed unsuitable for any further racing and the meeting was subsequently abandoned.

main trio..mcscar..xaaravid..& bizet..next best..rock of the orient..significant..& thunder mak..

From South China Morning Post....

William Pike yesterday landed his biggest win in Hong Kong - the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) on Craig's Dragon for trainer John Moore, but will not seek to extend his licence at the end of the month and will return home to Perth to prepare for the arrival of his first child.

Pike will exchange finding his feet in one of the most competitive and lucrative riding environments, for the pitter-patter of tiny feet back home - and he is confident he is making the right decision.

"It is making it a bit harder to leave now that I'm finally riding some winners, but at the same time I am leaving Hong Kong in good stead and I can't see why I won't be able to come back at some stage in the future," Pike said.

"The best thing for me to do personally at the moment is to head home to Perth, and I might even be able to peg back a few of the boys at home and ride some winners there."

That is the understatement of the year so far, with Pike being a big fish in a small pond at home in the Western Australian capital where he has won the past two jockey premierships - last season's by an impressive 34 winners.

Pike had struggled to ride many winners until early December last year, but has chalked up 11 for the season and claimed his first Group win at Sha Tin.

Cheers schonegg, Pike did ok overall, didn't he.

Hope all goes well for Pike & his partner, fellow hoop Jessica Valas, with the impending arrival of the couples first child.

second that and it will be good to have Pike-ee back again, many a good win in past few years on him!

where is paul harvey?..due back from his annual xmas / new year break..

Hi jake. Paul Harvey was due back a week or so ago but was injured in a track accident. Might still be another 5-6 weeks before he can ride again, scans on his left leg revealed a fractured tibula and partial tear to a medial ligament.

Interesting stat re Ma Ma Machine, schonegg. Has started at odds of 2/1 or less, on 9 occasions (including last Sat). Winning just once!

Bookies luv him

Hot weather but no hot tips

R1 Time to Climb began like a bullet then led throughout at its only start. Forget the average trial since. Throw in Ihtsatune for multiples.

R4 Coppaclip Inn might be ridden back this time, not sure. 2 starts ago was a good effort over the c/d. Worth an eachway gamble at 7.5

R8 Milken Whiskey may need this run, but if we can get around 6.5 then worth a flutter.