Longchamp wins 2016 Powerworx Opunake Cup Listed NZ$65,000 at Pukekura Raceway (NZ), 1400m.
From barrier nine in the 13 horse field, apprentice Tim Johnson bounced Longchamp away well to be second early, briefly taking the lead and then sitting second again (off the fence) passing the 900m. Finding the fence at the 700m Longchamp saved precious ground around the corner and took over the pace before the straight. Into the straight he fended off co-leader Summer’s Day fairly easily and broke clear at the 150m then held on well to the line to score comfortably.
North And South was last down the back and still last approaching the last corner then steadily threaded through the field to be better than midfield into the straight. She took some time to get balanced then ran on strongly to grab second short of the post.
Taurus was widest around the last corner but anchored by his topweight of 60kg he could not sprint when needed, yet held third well considering his impost.
