Cape Of Good Hope wins Ladbrokes Stakes Group 1, $1,000,000 at Caulfield, 2000m.
Irish-bred import Cape Of Good Hope scored a narrow but very good win in this Group 1 race at his debut.
He settled nicely in seventh place, one off the rails, before improving nicely between runners at the home turn. He got into clear running nearing the 200m and then came with a strong late bid to grab victory on the post.
Black Heart Bart had a nice trip in fifth place, improved between runners coming to the home turn, challenged at the 200m, hit the front on passing the 100m only to be caught on the post for (short half head) second.
Harlem had a nice trip in third place on the rails. He was under riding at the home turn but he responded in fighting on well for third.
The favourite Avilius raced back in second last place in the ten-horse field, improved (wide) rounding the home turn and then ran on nicely in the sprint home for (1.7 lengths) fourth.
Humidor raced in seventh place on the rails, stuck to the inner on straightening and then kept fighting on well for (1.8 lengths) fifth.
Homesman raced outside the leader (Gailo Chop) and held on quite well for (1.9 lengths) sixth narrowly in front of Gailo Chop who finished seventh.
