People's Knight finished strongly following a rail's run in midfield to split the well fancied Beat The Clock and Beauty Kingdom 30m out for a fourth win from 15 starts. He's always shown ability and the drop back to the 1,400m was crucial. Favourite Beat The Clock was swamped late after defying a deep run without cover near the speed from the widest gate to poke his head in front 50m out. It was a terrific effort in defeat despite a rise in class following a first-up win and he's got plenty of improvement to come. Beauty Kingdom went to the front 200m out following a box-seat run and found a couple just too good in the run to the wire for a fourth minor placing from four starts over this trip this term. He's honest but doesn't have too many points in hand. Winfield closed off strongly two from the right after a patient ride travelling fourth from the rear.
HARBOUR NOVA was withdrawn on 26.11.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter UNIQUE JOYOUS (D Lane).
Before being allowed to race again, HARBOUR NOVA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
FRIENDS OF NANJING began very awkwardly and then blundered on jumping, resulting in the horse losing ground.
From a wide barrier, FRIENDS OF NANJING was then shifted across behind runners.
Also from a wide barrier, MAGNETISM was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
When BEAT THE CLOCK was shifted across behind EASY TOUCH passing the 1300 Metres, EASY TOUCH became unbalanced.
After the race, it was reported that EASY TOUCH had sustained a small wound to the outside of the left hind cannon.
Near the 650 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP was bumped by ROMAN IMPERO which shifted out when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind PEOPLE'S KNIGHT.
Approaching the 350 Metres, LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT was shifted to the outside of EASY TOUCH to obtain clear running after initially being disappointed for a run inside that horse.
Passing the 200 Metres, ROMAN IMPERO was shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN SLEEP.
Throughout the race, BEAT THE CLOCK travelled wide and without cover.
PEOPLE'S KNIGHT and BEAT THE CLOCK were sent for sampling.