Vespa wins 2015 Hardy Trade Wellington Gneas Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Trentham (NZ) 3yo, 1400m.
Group one winning two year old Vespa returned to his best with a last stride victory. Settling between horses, one of the fence in sixth, Vespa was presented four wide on straightening and took all of the 450 metre straight before getting his nose in front right on the line.
The race favourite Passing Shot, looking for four wins in a row, was used early to lead. He controlled things at a genuine clip, pinched an advantage passing the 300m and although giving his all when asked for his best late in the piece it was not quite enough.
Courtesy of an excellent bit of riding in the early stages, Star O'Fraaj was able to work across and trial from barrier twelve. She was clear to challenge early in the run home and although no match for the first two she put in gamely for third.
After travelling three back on the inner from barrier one, No Tricks unwound late for fourth.
From last, Riding Shotgun was drawn wide in the straight and made big inroads for (3 lengths) fifth.
Mighty Maverick, who also ran home strongly from back in the field, was just behind Riding Shotgun in sixth, while Attention Seeker, seventh, stuck on bravely after racing outside the leader.
