Perfect Start wins 2014 Hotel Coachman Manawatu Cup Group 3 NZ$100,000 at Awapuni (NZ), 2300m.
A winner of the Manawatu Cup Prelude on the same course last Saturday, Perfect Start received a nice trip three back on the outer and was put into the race rounding the home bend she lengthened appreciably inside the final 100m to collar the pacemaker, Dubai Belle, who also finished second in the cup prelude.
Dubai Belle had done a top job of controlling the speed and produced a good kick in the straight before being overhauled.
Duquesa challenged to the outside of Perfect Start from the 500m and kept winding up wide on the track to arrest third near the line.
Dragon Beauty came from four back on the inner, pinching a run near the rail, for fourth ahead of her stable-mate, Anniestar, who finished solidly from back in the field.
In sequence order across the line: Fredrick William, Likeapins, and Deliciano all produced notable efforts.
