Ocean Emperor wins 2017 Gartshore Tauranga Stakes Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Tauranga (NZ), 1600m.
Lightly-raced Ocean Emperor and having his first start at black type level, caused a minor upset with a sound win here. He settled fifth, one off the rail from barrier seven but went forward to be fourth before starting the bend.
Jockey Mark Hills continued to press on and at the 500m they moved up three wide to be camped on the leaders' heels. Taking some time to balance he appeared flat but then grabbed the bit and flew at the leaders to take control at the 100m for a nice win, his sixth in only 16 starts.
Miss Wilson saved ground the entire journey, went for a rails run at the 250m but could not accelerate with the winner over the last 100m to hold second narrowly.
Favourite Kawi rounded the last corner four wide, balanced and ran on well but too late, scraping into third right at the post from Amarula, who led at the 200m but was swamped on the line to land fourth.
