Start Wondering wins 2018 Bcd Group Sprint Group 1 NZ$200,000 at Te Rapa (NZ), 1400m.
Not a definite starter due to the rain affected track, Start Wondering made it back-to-back Waikato Sprints with a tenacious win here, his eleventh in 25 starts. He settled fourth early (inner) drifting to sixth passing the 600m.
In a packed field (all away from the fence) rider Jonathan Parkes kept Start Wondering on the inner and was presented with a great view entering the home straight. They made the lead at the 250m, put a couple of lengths on them but had to hold off a late challenge having just a head to spare at the line.
Packing Eagle took over the pace into the straight, lost the lead at the 250m but came back hard over the last few strides for a tough second.
Brilliant Shine led at the 600m, lost the lead turning in but held on well the length of the straight for third from Ronchi who ran from last for fourth. Favourite Kawi lost all chance after stumbling from the stalls.
