Dothraki wins 2018 Schweppes Maurice McCarten Group 3 $150,000 at Rosehill (NSW), 1100m.
Dothraki began well from his outside barrier (12) and settled back in fourth place (one off the rails), tracking a hot tempo. He improved from the 300m, challenged nearing the 100m but was then badly hindered by the leader and failed by the barest of margins at the post, being subsequently awarded the race on protest.
Well supported, Team Hawkes-trained mare Sprightly Lass was very quickly away, went to the front and then ran along at a very fast pace. But she veered out under pressure when tiring upon reaching the 100m and clung on to be first past the post, by a nose margin, latter being relegated to second on protest.
New Universe raced back in fifth place, travelling better with the fast pace. He got through to fourth at the 200m and kept running on really well along the inner to finish a close-up third.
Secret Trail was well back in ninth place and she made considerable ground over the latter stages for fourth, beaten a half-length in a good first up effort.
