Hey Doc wins 2017 Aurie’s Star Hcp Group 3 $150,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1200m.
Hey Doc, a Group One-winning three-year-old last season, resumed with a narrow but impressive first up victory. With the field racing closer to the Grandstand side, he travelled well for Luke Currie with the leading group, who were going at a steady tempo (first 600m 36.85). He sprinted quickly nearing the 200m, held the lead at the 50m and then fought on gamely to win in a photo, dashing home in quick time (last 600m 33.03).
The favourite Cannyescent settled in last place in the ten-horse field, racing close to the Grandstand side, travelling a bit keenly in stages due to the slow early tempo before taking a split and sprinting quickly coming to the 400m. He then came with a strong late burst to just miss in a photo for second, running his last 600m in a fast 32.48.
Grande Rosso was just behind the leaders, racing in about fifth place before getting through to briefly take the lead at the 200m. He then battled on well for a close-up third.
I Am A Star raced eighth place, not far from the leaders, took a split at the 200m and fought on well in the sprint home for (2.9 lengths) fourth in a sound first up effort.
