Natuzzi wins 2016 J.A. Russell Ltd Concorde Hcp Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 1200m.
Drawn handy at barrier four, tough campaigner Natuzzi was one of the slowest away and settled fourth last (rails). Despite hugging the rail, he was second last just before straightening but once set for home rider Vinnie Colgan asked the question and at the 200m they moved one out and drove through the pack, flying over the last 50m to grab the lead just short of the line in a thrilling finish.
Irish Moon took over the pace passing the 1000m and maintained the lead around the last corner and into the straight. He tried to put a break on them at the 400m and had a clear margin inside the 150m but was run down late, yet held on well for second.
Fire Jet was fourth turning in, tried to get on terms with Irish Moon at the 200m and held on quite well for a solid third at the wire.
Statham (handy enough) ranged up to third at the 300m and battled the length of the straight for a tidy fourth.
