Rangipo wins 2016 Darci Brahma Waikato Guineas Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Te Rapa (NZ) 3yo, 2000m.
Vinnie Colgan jumped Rangipo from his wide draw (11) and headed for the lead and the fence as the field passed the post with a round to go. Down the back straight, he was headed (by Ronchi) and these two broke away. At the 600m, Rangipo edged up to the leader and into the straight took a narrow lead. Still leading at the 200m he kept up a strong gallop and never gave anything away to hold on in a head bobber right on the line.
Raghu drew widest (13) and also took up a handy spot on Rangipo’s outer early then settled third down the back. Rounding the last corner he got on level terms with the winner and these two went head-for-head, stride-for-stride, right to the line for a thrilling finish.
Get That Jive was fifth down the back, lost some ground then moved up to be handy but wide before the home turn. Into the straight he gradually got up to the first two but couldn’t pass them, battling very well for a solid third.
Favourite Tavago was well back most of the way and showed nothing in the home straight, finishing 11 lengths last.
