Germanicus wins Bluestar Anniversary Hcp, Group 3, NZ$70,000 at Trentham, 1600m.

Progressive Germanicus, having his first start at stakes level, prevailed in a crowded finish to get the nod by a nose for his fourth win (third in succession) in 13 starts.

He was slow away to be last early but improved at the 1000m yet drifted again to be fourth last at the 600m. Off the fence soon after, he went wide turning in but did not see space until the 300m then went hard for the line.

Ranging alongside the leaders inside the 100m he kept on strongly, getting his nose in front in the last stride.

Cutting Up Rough was three wide and back at the 1000m, five wide turning in and widest at the 300m but gaining fast.

He was one of four across the track at the 100m and went to the line gamely, losing narrowly.

From midfield, Scott Base got off the fence at the 600m, went wider into the straight and took the lead briefly at the 200m then fought hard to the line for a close third.

Magnum burst through to lead at the 300m, was caught soon after but fought on well to hold fourth.