Duchess Kate wins 2016 Wellfield Desert Gold Stakes Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Trentham (NZ) 3yoFillies, 1600m.
Duchess Kate jumped best from her barrier (12) but tossed her head about so jockey Matthew Cameron took hold to settle her in fourth spot off the fence as they started on the big bend. Prior to straightening the filly ranged up to the leaders with Bella Court following closely on her outer. They then lined up for the run home and Duchess Kate was driven to the front taking a narrow lead passing the 300m.
Still on her outer, Bella Court pestered her for the lead and for a stride may have put her nose in front but Cameron urged Duchess Kate to find more and she did. In a great tussle, Duchess Kate edged away to win by a long neck but Bella Court’s determination made for an exciting finish.
Strada Cavallo was midfield when the field straightened but took time to get going, finishing like a stayer, especially over the last 50m, to grab third on the line.
Favourite Coldplay who was handy enough, seemed to lose interest at the 300m but came back well for fifth.
