Mississippi Delta wins Tabtouch-Perth Cup, Group 2, $400,000 at Ascot, 2400m.
Fourth in this race a year ago after a tough run, Mississippi Delta was too strong this time, flying home from last to record her tenth win (fourth stakes) in only 19 starts. She was among the last few (rails) early but when the pace increased down the back was shuffled back to equal last, where she remained down the riverside and on to the 800m.
With 600m to run she was a clear last but jockey William Pike did not panic, pushed out at the 400m then went wider still. Pike balanced her and near the 200m asked for her best and she accelerated hard, had four lengths to make up at the 100m but flew, travelling so well she caught the leaders at the 50m and raced clear at the line.
Missile Launch made his run, three wide, from the 800m, improved to fourth at the 400m and turned in four wide. He made what looked like a winning challenge at the 200m, led at the 50m but was swamped and had to settle for second.
Taxagano led or co-led to the top of the straight, tried to slip clear in the straight but was caught at the 100m, holding on well for third from Star Exhibit who finished strongly but too late for fourth.
