El Soldado wins 2017 Go Racing Synd. Avondale Cup Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 2400m.
As he did in last year's Auckland Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) El Soldado scored another upset win using the same tactics for a game victory here. Rider Samantha Collett took her time from barrier (8) but found the lead well before they reached the post with a circuit remaining. They lobbed along by two to three lengths starting the back straight and passing the 1200m were still travelling comfortably. Collett applied some pressure at the 800m as the leading group spread out but they closed and the lead was just a half length turning in. Collett kicked the ten-year-old once balanced and he responded by breaking clear by two at the 300m and under a desperate ride they held off all the challenges by a neck for a gallant win.
Equal favourite Megablast had a lovely run in fourth (one out) to the turn and looked the biggest danger throughout the straight but could not bridge the gap, finishing second.
Mister Impatience rushed up to be handy enough turning in and was doing his best work but too late at the finish another neck away.
Equal favourite, Five To Midnight looked flat at the 300m and lunged late to nab fourth a further three quarters of a length back.
