Illuminati wins 2016 Rotorua Stakes Listed NZ$50,000 at Arawa Park Fillies & Mares, 1400m.

Trudy Thornton, aboard Illuminati, took full advantage of barrier two and put the mare into a nice trail as the field settled. Starting the bend the pair were second on the leader’s inner and third at the 600m. Thornton sat quietly and when the field straightened she moved closer to the outside fence for better footing. Asked at the 200m, Illuminati took the lead and she then drew clear to score by almost three lengths.

Madonna Mia was last (rails) starting the home bend in a bunched field. She was still last and widest at the 400m. Into the straight she threaded her way through and was flying over the last 100m but had no chance of catching the winner.

Lady Zafira lay second last at the 800m and had two behind her at the 400m. She tried to go with Illuminati but stayed closer to the rail, moving into contention at the 200m, then battling very well only to lose second in the last stride.