Merchant Navy wins 2017 Coolmore Stud Stakes Group 1 $1,000,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1200m.
Racing in blinkers for the first time, Merchant Navy took his record to five wins from six starts in taking out this Group One race. He was ridden quietly and remained near the tail of the 20-horse field, behind a strong pace (first 600m 34.70), before switching closer to the rails side and improving nearing the 200m. He then came with a strong finishing run to grab a head victory at the post.
Invincible Star led the field at a good tempo, got a break at the 300m and was only overhauled right on the post for a close second after running a bold race in a most impressive eff ort by this talented filly.
Formality settled nicely just behind the leader (Invincible Star), briefly looked a threat at the 150m and then fought on well for a good third while another filly, Limestone caught the eye in running on late from last at the 800m to finish (2.3 lengths) fourth just in front of Viridine who was handy all the way before finishing (2.8 lengths) fifth.
