Underthemoonlight wins 2017 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Te Rapa (NZ), 1200m.
An unlucky fourth in this race last year, recent race fitness and a soft track played right into the hands of Underthemoonlight in a top-line, last-to-first win here. From barrier 13, rider Cameron Lammas allowed the six-year-old mare to settle second last before they reached the first corner. Passing the 600m she was last but Lammas got to work soon after and they cruised up to be handier (but wide) just before straightening. Into the straight they found clear running and keeping up a strong run in the centre of the track, closed in on the leader, took over with 150m to run, then ran clear, easing down at the line to win by threequarters of a length.
Close Up was fourth last at the 600m, tracked the winner into the straight and ran on well, without looking like winning, for a clear second.
Kawi was also well back approaching the last corner, ran on widest in the straight and held on for third from Southern Icon who led them turning in, tried to skip clear at the 200m and did best of the rest to hold fourth.
