Downdraf wins Hotham Stakes Group 3, $300,000 at Flemington, 2500m.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained Downdraft followed his good third in the Moonee Valley Cup (Gr 2, 2500m) on October 26 when making his Australian debut.
He settled nicely in fourth place, on the rails, before improving along the inner at the home turn. He took the lead on straightening, held a clear advantage at the 200m and then went on to win well in a solid staying performance.
Carif raced in fifth place, one off the rails, commenced a move rounding the home turn, went to third at the 250m and kept making ground for second.
Azuro ,settled in seventh place on the rails, tracked through on the inner, going to second at the 400m. He then battled on quite well to take the minor placing.
Sir Charles Road settled in last place in the ten-horse field, improved (wide with cover) at the 600m and then kept plugging on well for (6.75 lengths) fourth.
