Sacred Star wins 2016 Darley Plate Group 3 NZ$100,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 1200m.

Sacred Star was allowed to find his feet early from barrier five and found a nice spot in fifth on the rails. At the 800m he moved forward (still on the fence) to keep in touch with the leaders then found room, three out, as the field fanned rounding the last corner. Halfway down the straight he still had to grab the leader (Statham) but gradually edged past then settled down for the run to the post, holding on well for win.

Red Striker was slightly better than midfield, on the rails, around the bend then moved into the race starting the home straight. She ran into Statham’s heels but there was no way past causing jockey Sam Collett to pull hard on the left rein to switch ground for any chance. It was too late but she rattled home well for an unlucky second.

Durham Town was third at the 600m and hugged the fence on the corner and down the straight. He ran on well, maybe eating into Sacred Star’s lead but third was his lot.