Eckstein wins 2016 Peak Sports & Spine Mode Plate Listed $100,000 at Eagle Farm (QLD) 3yoFillies, 1200m.
In a finish where the first five horses finished less than a length apart, the Kurt Goldman-trained filly Eckstein advanced from two recent wins Sydney wins to take out her first stakes race in six starts. She began well from her wide barrier (11), and crossed to share the lead (racing outside Tiyatrolani) before slowing the pace (first 600m in 37.24). She challenged on straightening and after quite a battle, lifted to score a narrow but good win.
Candika was seventh early on, made a wide move from the 800m (due to the slow pace), challenged at the 200m and fought well for a good second.
The favourite Gibraltar Girl raced in eighth place, improved between runners on straightening, challenged at the 200m and battled on well for a close-up third.
Tiyatrolani shared the lead to the home turn and fought well in the straight for (0.6 lengths) fourth while River Racer was back in 12th place, went wide from the 600m and kept running on for (0.9 lengths) fifth.
