Charles Road wins 2018 Windsor Pk Stud Auckland Cup Group 3 NZ$200,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 2400m.
Talented young stayer Charles Road made it four wins in 14 starts with a hard fought win here. He sat one out a length back of the lead past the judge with a round to go and remained there until the 1200m before being passed but still handy.
Rider Jake Bayliss made his move at the 500m, gathered in the leaders into the straight and took over narrowly soon after. They tried to break away, managed a length or so but the pressure was on yet they were able to gamely hold on by a neck.
Five To Midnight got away from the fence into the straight, still had traffic at the 300m then finally found room to go after winner but the post arrived first.
Comin'through got bumped at the 300m then tried to accelerate with Five To Midnight and kept up a solid run for a close third. Wildflower ran on strongly from well back next the fence for a solid fourth.