Shiraz wins 2017 Winter Challenge Listed $150,000 at Rosehill (NSW), 1500m.
Rising eight-year-old Shiraz put up a good effort in breaking through for his first win here since taking out the 2015 Concorde Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) at Randwick almost two years ago. He was given a good trip by Jason Collett in third place on the rails before getting along the inner to challenge at the 200m. He then responded to patient hands and heels riding to score well, albeit by a narrow margin.
Classic Uniform went to the front, set quite a good tempo and fought back gamely when challenged in the straight for second in a sound effort at his third run this preparation.
Recent winner of the Winter Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at this track on 15 July, Slightly Sweet raced in fifth place on the rails, before looking for a run between runners at the 200m. She then battled on quite well for third after being in restricted room in the straight.
Sultan Of Swing raced outside the leader (Classic Uniform) and held on for fourth while the favourite Gold Symphony was sixth to the home turn, briefly looked a threat at the 300m before holding on under his 59kg top weight for (2.8 lengths) fifth.
