Montoya Star wins 2018 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Trentham (NZ), 1600m.
Montoya Star took her winning tally to nine in 26 starts with this her maiden stakes win. She was a little tardy from the jump and was midfield, one off the fence starting the bend. Rider Michael McNab pushed her closer at the 600m to be in behind the leading group turning in.
Upon straightening a narrow gap appeared but McNab waited. The gap became wider at the 200m so he shot her through to take over at the 100m and although challenged had a long head to spare at the finish.
From back of midfield Symphonic pulled wide into the straight and kept up a long, solid run, looked like she might catch the winner but was held out.
Flamingo looked to have no chance at the 400m, switched back to the inner and flashed through late to grab third from La Fille En Jeu who led them into the straight and still led at the 150m but was swamped.
