Spanish Reef wins 2018 Schweppervescence Trophy Group 3 $150,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1600m.
Spanish Reef led early but when passed dropped in to enjoy a perfect trail, moving up to sit just outside the leader around the last corner and into the straight.
Rider Craig Williams was very patient and did not issue their challenge until the 300m and after a brief tussle, took over inside the 200m before drawing away to win fairly convincingly by a length for win four (maiden stakes) from 12 starts.
Samovare was unlucky, third (rails) turning in and tried for a rails run but was denied and had to pull back then make her run, finishing well to take second from pacemaker Jester Halo who led into the straight, fought the winner for a few strides and held on for third.
There was a sizeable gap to fourth where Royal Applause did best of the rest for fourth.
