Oxford Poet wins 2016 Winter Stakes Listed $150,000 at Rosehill (NSW) 3yo+, 1400m.
Oxford Poet was smartly away and went straight to the front. He then steadied the pace (first 800m 49.47) before picking up the tempo from the 600m. He got a break at the 300m and then kept fighting back, sprinting home his last 600m in 34.98, to win well.
Zin Zan Eddie raced in sixth place, improved between runners at the home turn, going to fourth at the 300m. He then kept making good ground, in the sprint home for a good second.
Ninth Legion was quickly away and then settled well outside the leader and eventual winner. He was beaten for pace under his top weight (60kg) on straightening and then kept fighting very well for a good third.
Marenostro was a handy fourth most of the way and kept battling on nicely to hold that position, beaten just under two lengths.
The favourite Better Not Blue raced in back in eighth place but failed to run on in the straight to finish last. A subsequent stewards’ report advised that the gelding would now be spelled.
