Irish Flame wins 2017 Phoenix Park 2yo Classic Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Pukekura Raceway (NZ) 2yo, 1200m.
Having just his second start, Irish Flame caused a minor upset in a small field yet won convincingly. He missed the start (from barrier 4) and settled two lengths last, eight lengths from the lead. He caught the field by the 800m and rider Dylan Turner pushed him through along the fence then moved out and between runners at the 600m. His momentum carried them into fourth, wide, approaching the last corner and once into the straight was alongside the leaders. Turner gave him a shake at the 250m and the pair broke clear. Kept up to his work, Irish Flame had too much in store and held on well by a length and a half.
Icebomb was equal last at the 600m and tracked the winner into the home straight, running on well but was no match while Aquamosa was not able to accelerate with them at the 600m, turned in last and got going very late, wide out, to flash into third.
