Aide Memoire wins 2016 James Bull Rangitikei Gold Cup NZ$50,000 at Awapuni (NZ), 1600m.
Aide Memoire took her record to 5 wins in 11 starts with a fairly convincing win here. She was always handy, jumping from barrier eight and settling second on leader Francome’s inner. At the 800m she kept the leader in sight but passing the 600m briefly took over the pace. Around the corner the field headed for better footing wide and on straightening Aide Memoire shared the lead with Anniesstar on her inner. These two drew clear and set towards the line. Not much separated them but over the last 50m but Aide Memoire pulled out a little more to score by a half length.
Anniesstar saved ground around the bend and caught the winner at the top of the straight. She kept up a solid effort all the way to the line for a good second.
Endure was fourth last at the 600m but had to go widest into the straight then once balanced was going better than anything at the line for a late-lunging third.
