Maygrove wins 2017 Ssangyong Counties Cup Group 3 NZ$100,000 at Pukekohe Park (NZ), 2100m.
With three runners neck and neck at the 100m, hardy campaigner Maygrove was able to stretch his neck at the wire in the thrilling finish. He settled fifth (rails) but drifted to midfield starting the bend then rider Johnathan Parkes found room at the 500m to move closer.
Into the straight they had a great view one off the fence, drove up to take over but were headed at the 200m. Parkes asked for more and the gelding fought back like a good stayer and was able to outlast them in a head bobber by a short head.
Five To Midnight moved forward at the 500m and turned in five wide, was one of three with a winning chance but was outlasted just short of the post.
A long head back in third was Promise To Reign who joined in at the 250m and led narrowly for a few strides but was outstayed with another long head back to Francis Drake who finished fastest but too late for a close up fourth.
