Hall Of Fame wins 2017 Levin Classic Group 1 NZ$225,000 at Trentham (NZ) 3yo, 1600m.
Although drawing the ace barrier, jockey Opie Bosson allowed Hall Of Fame to drop back behind the pace on the fence down the back towards the 1000m. Starting the big bend Bosson eased his mount out a width and at the 600m was fifth, camped behind the leaders. Near the top of the straight they were four off the fence and looking to challenge. Bosson pumped away and they took over inside the 300m, led by a length at the 200m but then Bosson had to get serious and the colt put his head down and gallantly held out the two threats nearer the rail by a nose for win five from nine starts.
Savile Row was fourth, one out, at the 1000m, moved up three wide turning in, took a little longer to balance than the winner but ground hard right to the wire for a tenacious second without getting his nose in front.
Jon Snow led to the 300m, was passed yet never gave way the length of the straight for a hard fought and close up third. The first three had the race to themselves.
Lincoln Blue had little luck in the home straight, getting clear late to flash into fourth.
Wyndspelle was last at the home turn and wound his way down the middle of the track for a fair fifth.
