Sword Of Osman wins 2018 Sistema Stakes Group 1 NZ$200,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 1200m.

Sword Of Osman was too speedy and had this under control from mid race for win three from four starts. He dwelt out of barrier one but taking advantage of the rail, rider Opie Bosson pushed him forward quickly and they took over the pace by more than a length past the 1000m.

Bosson allowed the gelding to stride freely to the last corner where the lead was down to a length but Bosson had plenty up his sleeve, gave him a shake and they sped out by three lengths at the 200m.

That left too much for the chasers to do and Bosson simply cuddled him up to the line where they had a length and a quarter to spare in a sharp time.

Avantage was not disgraced in running second, being equal last (rails) at the 800m and keeping up a strong rails run the length of the straight.

A tidy third from Spanish Whisper who covered the most ground and was widest tuning in then ran on very well to be another three quarters of a length back.

Bocce sat outside the winner into the straight and never gave in to the line for a game fourth.