Keen Array wins 2017 Gilgai Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1200m.
Keen Array took his record to seven wins (four stakes) from 22 starts with a hard fought win here. He shared the lead from barrier five from the jump but edged into the lead on his own over the crossing.
Jockey Mark Zahra gave him a shake at the 300m then drew the whip at the 200m and they looked to have the field covered past the 100m but Zahra had to look for more short of the line and they were able to hold out a determined finish from Sold For Song, who was a handy third over the crossing, pressured at the 300m but under a hard ride kept on well to the line for second.
Malibu Style co-led early, looked beaten at the 200m but found more to stay on well for third, not far away. In a crowded finish, the first three were almost in line at the post. Handy throughout, Bons Away had every chance to claim fourth.
