Dal Cielo wins Haunui Farm Diamond Stakes Group 1 NZ$200,000 at Ellerslie (NZ) 2yo, 1200m.
Dal Cielo began smartly to be second before steadying into third as a Battle Time worked around at the 800m. Beautifully poised on straightening, Dal Cielo ranged to challenge with plenty to offer at the 200m and once asked to extend he galloped clear for a dominant win.
After working hard in the early stages, Battle Time took the lead at the 300m and kept responding under urgings to hold second.
Tending to lug out a touch in fifth, Rocanto staked his claim to the outside of Dal Cielo at the 300m and finished on resolutely for third.
Sixth in running, Marky Mark had his chances affected when skewing sideways and losing ground entering the straight. Once rebalanced, he unwound a likely finish before peaking late into fourth.
Ridden off the pace on this occasion, Strata Lady came from third last on the inner and extended nicely nearer the rail for fifth.