Seventh Up wins 2017 Manco Easter Stakes Group 2 NZ$200,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 1600m.

A crowded finish (margins of a long neck, a half head and a halfhead) saw Seventh Up prevail after a stirring finish. Under Rider Grant Cooksley and from draw 12 they were midfield early but soon drifted to be third last at the 1000m. Near the last corner they were fourth last (rails) but Cooksley waited then drove forward, one out, to get in behind the pack. They gained quickly on the leaders at the 250m and thrust through at the 100m, their momentum carrying them to the wire to win well if narrowly, his seventh in 16 starts.

Hiflyer ranged up five wide on the last corner, grabbed the lead at the 300m and gamely held off all but the winner.

Previously unbeaten Let Me Roar was a handy third turning in, stayed with Hiflyer all the way to the line but both were outgunned late while Scapolo, who was back of midfield turning in, switched back to the fence at the 250m and ran on strongly to just miss third.