Saracino wins 2016 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Te Rapa (NZ), 1200m.
Within the first six strides Saracino, from barrier three, had the lead under Lisa Allpress, who quickly assumed the rail. Starting the first corner they led by a length and a half and at the 600m still led yet there were challenges from favourite Southern Icon and Longchamp, who were both ready to pounce. Starting for home Allpress hugged the rails but had not yet asked the colt for an effort, galloping smoothly under his light weight. Allpress kept him going and they cruised clear by three at the 200m and then she gave him a couple of slaps yet passing the 100m the margin was still three. Kept going, they held on for a pretty comfortable win by more than two lengths at the post.
No More Tears was slow away and well back (wide) down the back straight. She began her run at the 600m but had to thread her way through runners from the top of the straight, running on strongly out of the pack but never looking like running down the winner.
Authentic Paddy was midfield on settling (rails) and held that position until the home turn. Once straightened he also emerged from the pack doing his best work at the finish for a solid third.
