Tonopah wins 2016 R & F Gerard R A Lee Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Morphettville (SA) 3yo+, 1600m.
Tonopah settled in an ideal spot, fifth on the rails from his inside barrier (1) behind a very steady pace (first 1000m 65.69) before continuing along the rails rounding the home turn. He dashed clear approaching the 200m and then fought back for a good win having a perfect run.
Prince Of Penzance was midfield early on before improving (wide with cover) at the 900m. He fanned widest of all at the home turn and ran on really well in the sprint home for a bold first-up second at his first run since winning the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) in November.
Rocket Commander was a handy fifth, between runners, got a split to challenge at the 200m and kept fighting on to take the minor placing.
Second favourite Atlantis Dream settled in seventh place, between runners, angled into clear running at the 200m and made ground in the sprint home for a sound (1.3 lengths) fourth.
The favourite Alpine Eagle, who was resuming here, was eighth on the rails but obtained clear running on the inner, rounding the home turn. He went to third at the 200m and then battled on fairly well for (2.6 lengths) fifth, being disadvantaged by the slow early pace.
