Watch This Space wins 2016 Windsor Pk Stud Japan Intl Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Tauranga (NZ), 1600m.
Watch This Space drew barrier six in the depleted field of seven runners and settled third, off the rails. He maintained his handy position passing the 1200m and deep into the bend. At the 600m he launched a good challenge, three wide, to take over the lead and pressure the field grouped closely behind. Upon straightening, apprentice jockey Brendon Hutton shot the four-year-old more than a length clear and was going smoothly. At the 150m Hutton got busy and the lightly weighted gelding lengthened stride and drew out to win comfortably.
Favourite Julinsky Prince was second last starting the bend but made his move at the 600m then accelerated sharply just before the last corner. Out widest, he looked to be travelling well, passing the bulk of the field but could not make any impression on the winner and battled to the line.
Nigelissima was third last (one off the fence) around the bend, got into third before straightening and was aggressively ridden all the way to the line for a hard fought third.
