Grand Marshal wins 2015 Sydney Cup Group 1 $1.6 Million at Randwick (NSW) 3yo+, 3200m.
Grand Marshal settled at the tail of the 11-horse field. He commenced a wide from the 700m, moved up in the centre of the track at the 300m and ran on strongly, getting to third at the 200m before finishing too well to score in the last few strides in a solid staying performance.
Who Shot Thebarman was ninth on the rails. He saved ground along the inner from the 700m and continued his rails run to hit the lead at the 200m only to be caught in the last few strides for second.
Like A Carousel was fifth, one off the rails, moved up well nearing the home turn and fought on for a sound third, running the 3200m out well.
The favourite Hartnell went to the front and travelled a bit keenly in the lead. He was headed at the 200m and just battled on for (6.8 lengths) fourth, racing below his previous outstanding form, stepping up to 3200m in Slow7 conditions.
Akzar plugged on quite well from near last for fifth.
Dominant was handy most of the way, looked a threat at the 200m but then just battled on to finish (8.3 lengths) sixth.
Protectionist was seventh on the rails but was under pressure from the 600m and dropped out to finish seventh, beaten 16 lengths.
