Amelie’s Star wins 2017 The Bart Cummings Group 3 $300,000 at Flemington (VIC), 2500m.
Amelie’s Star came into contention for the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) with a strong staying performance in winning here. She settled nicely back in fourth place, behind a solid tempo before improving nearing the home turn. She took the lead at the 200m and then drew away to score quite impressively, running the 2500m out strongly.
Granddukeoftuscany again went to the front and strung the field out as he ran along a very solid pace. He was overtaken at the 300m but then fought on again to take a good second after his early efforts.
Kellstorm raced back in seventh place, was under riding on turning for home and then responded, running on well for third.
Favourite Almandin was well back in eighth place, improved from 700m, got to fifth at the 300m and kept battling on from that point under his 60kg top weight to finish (3.4 lengths) fourth while second favourite Harlem was back in fifth place, briefly looked a threat at the 300m but battled from that point to finish (3.9 lengths) fifth.
