Sacred Master wins 2016 Go Racing Synd. Avondale Cup Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 2400m.

Sacred Master drew near the inside (3) and was able to position one off the rail yet midfield passing the post with a round to go. Between the 1600m and the 1200m he maintained his pace but lost his position and had three behind him. Jockey Michael McNab got busy at the 1000m and made a solid move between runners and by the 600m was handy but needed a clear run so he went wide and into the straight found space. The gelding responded by ranging up to the many runners on his inside and gradually pulled his way to the front and had enough in reserve to hold on by three quarters of a length at the line.

King Kamada was sixth passing the 800m and made an early run to be very handy (but still wide) turning in. On Sacred Master’s inner, he tried to keep up but found the winner too strong yet ran on well to be best of the rest at the line.

Farm Boy was well back starting the bend but was able to get onto Sacred Master’s heels turning in and followed him all the way down the straight, motoring well over the last 150m for a good third and good Auckland Cup trial.