Hattori Hanzo wins 2016 Cellarbrations Phar Lap Stakes Group 2 $175,000 at Rosehill (NSW) 3yo, 1500m.
Mick Kent-trained Hattori Hanzo is a progressive threeyear-old, advancing quickly to win this Group Two race after winning a Maiden Plate (1413m) three starts back at Sale on 16 February. He settled well outside the leader (Believe), challenged at the 300m, he briefly looked beaten but lifted gamely from the 50m to score in a photo.
Man Of Choice travelled well in third place on the rails after starting from barrier one. He got a split approaching the 200m, took a narrow lead at the 50m and finished a very close second in a deceptive finish.
Believe, winner of her first two starts, went to the front, she then fought back gamely when challenged for a close-up third, in a smart effort, stepping up in class here. She is a promising filly.
Godolphin’s Old North was a bit slow to move, settled in sixth place, got a split at the 200m and kept finishing really well in the sprint home for fourth, beaten less than a half-length. He looks a staying colt who was disadvantaged by the moderate early pace. He will also appreciate advancing in distance and has claims in the upcoming three-year-old Group One races.
