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Hopfgarten 2014 Ray Nolan Brisbane Hcp Listed $100,000 at Doomben (QLD), 1600m.
The Robert Heathcote-trained four-year-old Hopfgarten continues to build a good record, now winning eight of his 22 starts to date. He began well from barrier eight and settled in a good position, fifth between runners. He was under riding nearing the home turn, eased out to make his run on straightening, dashed clear on passing the 200m and then proved clearly superior going on to win decisively by just over three lengths. He ran the 1600m out strongly and looks capable of progressing to longer if required.
Perfect Punch raced outside the leader Kurtley, he challenged that horse on turning for home and they had a great battle for the minor placings, neither having any chance with the winner, with Perfect Punch finishing (3.2 lengths) second, a short half head in advance of the third-placed Kurtley.
Goldslick plugged on quite well from eighth at the turn to finish fourth, beaten just under four lengths.