First starter Eagle Island was eased at the start and settled last in the small six-horse field following a moderate early pace (first 1000m 1:03.12). He was asked to improve from the 600m but was a little flat footed as the tempo increased. However, when switched to the centre of the track on straightening, he kept responding and came with a late run to win narrowly but well in the sprint home (leaders running last 600m in 35.37). It was a most promising debut. The favourite Tikitour led and slowed the pace until nearing the home turn. He was fought off one challenge in the straight but not hold off the late bid of the winner. Leka Secret raced outside the leader (Tikitour) until well into the straight and held on to take the minor placing. White Roe was handy all the way and held on for fourth while $650,000 yearling Oyster Island, stablemate of the winner, was fourth on the rails but was under pressure from the turn and tired over the final stages for fifth, also on debut. *ANZ
Previous Winners
| Date | Horse | Jockey | WT | Trainer | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
DONNA CATTIVA
(NZ)
2F CAPTAIN RIO (GB) - NISHAANI (NZ) GOLD BROSE (AUS) |
D DUNN | 54.0 | DANNY O'BRIEN | 2 |
|
|
ISOPACH
(AUS)
2G MAGIC ALBERT (AUS) - CURVACEOUS (AUS) ZABEEL (NZ) |
M J ZAHRA | 55.5 | JOHN P THOMPSON | 5 |
|
|
PRECIOUS LORRAINE
(AUS)
2F ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS) - MONSOON WEDDING (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
P GATT | 53.5 | D A HAYES | 1 |
|
|
CUSTARD
(AUS)
2F LONHRO (AUS) - SERENE LOOK (NZ) SEATTLE DANCER (USA) |
M HOPPO | 53.5 | D A HAYES | 12 |
|
|
ROMNEYA
(AUS)
2F RED RANSOM (USA) - MANNINGTON (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
D DUNN | 55.0 | D L FREEDMAN | 1 |
