Grande Rosso wins 2017 Chester Manifold Stakes Listed $120,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1400m.
Grande Rosso began fast from barrier eight and was able to sit just outside of leader Top Me Up in the early stages. Around the big Flemington bend and past the 1000m, rider Regan Bayliss eased back to third, still off the fence. Into the straight Bayliss waited and soon after (400m) a split opened up and he urged his charge to go after Top Me Up who had broken clear at the 300m. Ridden vigourously, Grande Rosso gradually hauled in the leader and once past the 100m ran on to win fairly convincingly.
Zupacharged was back and equal widest turning for home, accelerated at the 300m and was charging home strongly at the line but much too late.
Sold For Song was last (rails) turning in, threaded her way through the field to the 100m and grabbed third in the last stride.
Top Me Up led, broke clear at the 300m and held on gamely, just losing third on the line.
