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Secret Spirit wins 2015 Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes Listed NZ$50,000 at Otaki (NZ) 2yo, 1200m.
Smart filly Secret Spirit, having her first run since winning the Northern Foal Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Ellerslie on 23 May, scored another good win in Listed class here. She began quite well from her inside barrier (1) before settling seventh on the rails. She improved between runners rounding the home turn, got to fourth at the 200m and kept running on strongly to score with something in hand at the post.
Stradivarius was smartly away and raced in third place but caught three wide without cover. He challenged at the home turn, got to the front at the 200m and fought gamely for a good second.
The Dom settled midfield but trapped deep from a wide barrier. He made a quick run (still wide) from the 600m, challenged on straightening and held on for a good third after a difficult trip. He is yet to win in three starts and is a very promising maiden.
Lucky Edie led early before settling fifth on the rails. He got through on the inner on turning for home and battled for fourth, just missing third in a photo.
The Axe was a clear last in the 13-horse field to the home turn, went wide on straightening and caught the eye with a late-closing (3.4 lengths) fifth.