Modello wins 2014 Birthday Stakes Listed $100,000 at Belmont Park (WA) 3yo+, 1200m.
Modello was well away and soon crossed to the lead. He then steadied the pace (first 600m 35.65) and then travelled strongly to the home turn. He held a clear break passing the 200m and was never seriously threatened from that point to win by a length and a quarter.
The favourite Fuchsia Bandana raced behind the leader to the turn. She tried hard in the straight before battling on for second after having every chance.
Ron's Call was back in seventh place to the turn and made ground in the straight for third, beaten just over three lengths.
Second favourite Mendicity was sixth on the rails and just plugged on along the rails in the straight for fourth.
The Kingston Town Classic (Gr 1, 1800m) winner Ihtsahymn raced well below his best, resuming here. He was at the tail of the field to the home turn but failed to run on under his top weight (62kg) and finished last, beaten 15 lengths.
