Niccanova wins 2017 Sky Racing Fred Best Classic Group 3 $150,000 at Eagle Farm (QLD), 1400m.
The Toowoomba-trained gelding Niccanova is now the winner of four of his five starts, following his first up win in a 3YO Handicap (1200m) at the Gold Coast on 13 May with a very good win, advancing to Group class here. He settled back in 13th place in the 17-horse field, improved nicely (wide with cover) from the 700m, went deep at the home turn, moved up smartly to challenge at the 200m and finished too well for a good win.
Sylpheed raced in fifth place, trapped very deep from her wide barrier (15). She moved up quickly to take the lead at the 300m and then held on particularly well for a very good second after having a difficult trip.
I Thought So had a nice run from his good barrier (3) in fourth place, moved up to challenge at the 300m and then kept fighting on well for a sound third.
River Racer ran on nicely with a late run from 14th at the home turn for (1.5 lengths) fourth while the favourite, Godolphin-raced Tessara failed on the affected track, weakening after being in a challenging position at the home turn to finish (20 lengths) 15th.
