Magnifisio wins 2014 Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stks Group 1 $750,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+, 1200m.
In an all-West Australian finish, the highly consistent localmare Magnifisio scored a narrow but impressive win. She settledin a good spot, sixth one off the rails and remained there untileased deep rounding the home turn. She then put in a strong finish,hitting the front at the 100m and then fought back to score well. Shethen survived a protest from the runner-up that was subsequentlydismissed.
Watermans Bay was back in tenth place, one off therails, until switched between runners on turning for home. He thenran on well, getting to within a head of the winner at the post for a good second.
Shining Knight was midfield but trapped deep frombarrier 11. He put in a good run in the centre of the track from the300m and ran on well for a good third.
Another local Testamezzomade ground from tenth at the turn for (2.5 lengths) fourth.
Thefavourite Angelic Light had a perfect trip behind the leader tothe turn and fought on for (2.8 lengths) fifth after seeming to haveevery chance while the second favourite Moment Of Change ledthe field until the 200m but disappointed from that point in finishing(3.3 lengths) sixth.
Bel Sprinter was last to the turn and made some ground without threatening for seventh and Godolphin’s Sidestep also raced below his best after being midfield to the turn in finishing(5.4 lengths) ninth.
