Hartnell wins 2017 P.B. Lawrence Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 1400m.
With nemesis Winx in Sydney, Hartnell gained an overdue and deserved win (his sixth in Australia) over a talented field here. Drawn barrier eight, Craig Williams put him in the race from the outset, settling a couple of lengths off the pace in second spot. Still second at the 700m, Williams waited while the leader broke away by more than two lengths but turning in crept closer and lodged his challenge at the 200m, grabbing the lead inside the 100m then drawing clear impressively by more than two lengths at the post in a smart first up victory.
Charmed Harmony set the pace, cleared out by two plus lengths at the 700m and turned in full of running. He tried to hold off the winner at the 200m yet held on well for a clear second.
Black Heart Bart, who was resuming, was handy enough in fifth at the 700m, tried to get on terms into the straight and ran on fairly for third. It was subsequently reported that he was mildly lame after the race. He's Our Rokkii was also handy on the rails turning in and stayed on quite well for fourth.
