Sampson wins 2017 Trentham Stakes Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Trentham (NZ), 2100m.
Sampson jumped with them from barrier four and under Reese Jones took up a lovely spot, one out and one back past the post with a round to go and around the far turn. He lost one place but not his position at the 1200m then cruised up behind the pace near the home turn, edging another width out. Straightening for the run home they had a great view yet took some time to get into a rhythm but inside the 200m they were travelling better than anything only to pull clear and win with plenty in hand at the post.
Favourite Authentic Paddy led from the outset, tried to put pressure on the field at the 900m but still had a narrow lead in a packed field turning in. He lost the lead at the 200m but fought back very well, clinging to second at the line.
Promise To Reign tracked the leader in fourth all the way around the big Trentham bend, hugged the fence the length of the straight and almost grabbed second late in a fighting finish.
Cruiser sat outside Promise To Reign at the 600m, moved up to take a narrow lead at the 300m and fought quite well to the line for a good fourth.
