Spiritual Warrior wins A.T.A. Stakes, Listed, $100,000 at Ascot, 2200m.
Reclaiming the form that saw him win four in succession, culminating with the Kalgoorlie Cup (Listed, 2200m) in early October, Spiritual Warrior held on well after taking the lead at the 200m.
He sat fifth, one out at the 1600m while the pacemaker (Ombudsman) tore away by six lengths. He maintained his position past the 800m moving three wide inside the 600m, closing in on the leader.
Rounding into the home straight he challenged, co-led soon after and took over at the 200m.
To the line he was taken on both inside and outside but had enough to hold on by a half length.
Arctic Stream sat third last down the riverside, improved between runners near the home straight but took some time to wind up and then rallied well to claim second late.
Prince Turbo had the job of carting the field up to catch the tearaway, caught him rounding into the straight and fought hard the length of the straight for third.
Friar Fox ran from second last to land fourth.
