Rudy wins 2014 Inglis Villiers Stakes Group 2 $175,000 at Randwick (NSW) 3yo+, 1600m.
The Queensland-trained four-year-old Rudy took his record to seven wins from 18 starts with a strong, late-closing victory in this Group Two race. He settled nicely, back in tenth place, following a good tempo. He improved well, between runners, rounding the home turn, switched out on passing the 300m, came with a well-timed run to hit the lead at the 50m and then fought back for a narrow but very good win.
I'm Imposing was ridden quietly by Tye Angland and remained in second last place in the 15-horse field to the 600m. He made up good ground, getting a split between runners at the home turn, put in a strong bid from the 250m to challenge at the 100m and then fought well, failing by only a short neck for second, putting up a good effort.
Strawberry Boy went straight to the front as expected and set a solid pace (first 1000m 60.09) leading to the 200m point. He then battled strongly and lifted again to grab third in a photo.
Estonian Princess travelled nicely in eighth place, between runners, got a nice run through on turning for home to challenge at the 200m. She got to the front at the 100m but then weakened a bit on that effort, just missing third in a photo to finish (2.3 lengths) fourth.
Scream Machine ran on well, in the centre of the track, coming from last at the home turn for a good (2.4 lengths) fifth.
General Groove was back in 12th place, fanned wide at the turn and ran on quite well for (4.2 lengths) sixth.
The favourite Sir Moments was more handily placed than expected, travelling in sixth place (wide with cover). He raced a bit keenly in stages before switching out to make his bid on straightening. But he then proved a little disappointing, just running on fairly well to finish seventh, beaten four and a half lengths.
