Monsieur Gustave wins 2017 City Of Ipswich Eye Liner Stks Listed $175,000 at Ipswich (QLD), 1350m.

In a close finish with the first six horses finishing within a length, the Sunshine Coast-trained Monsieur Gustave prevailed by a narrow margin. He was smartly away, led early on before settling in second place, behind the free running leader (Flamboyer). He was under pressure on straightening, responded to grab the lead at the 50m and then lasted to score in a photo.

In His Stride raced back in 12th place, was widest of all rounding the home turn and came with a strong late finish to just fail by a narrow margin, putting up a good effort for second. Godolphin’s Federal settled in second last place in the 16-horse field, improved between runners at the home turn, got through to fourth at the 100m and kept running on well for a close up third.

Flamboyer soon went to the front and after running along with a clear advantage until nearing the home turn, held on for (0.5 lengths) fourth.

Acatour drifted back and was near last at the home turn. He then went between runners and kept making ground in restricted room for (0.9 lengths) fifth.

The top weight (59kg) Shiraz raced in tenth place, made a wide move from the 600m and kept ground (wide out) in the straight for sixth, beaten a length.