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Puritan wins 2016 Manfred Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Caulfield (VIC) 3yo, 1200m.
Puritan scored a surprise first-up win. He settled in third last place in the 12-horse field before improving nicely (wide with cover) from the 600m. He fanned deep (under riding) at the home turn, challenged strongly on passing the 200m and kept finishing well score narrowly but in good style.
Favourite Golden Spin was quickly away from barrier nine and went to the front, then steadied the early pace (first 600m 35.84) before taking a clear break after turning for home. He then looked the winner but was overtaken in the closing stages to finish a close second.
Ready For Victory had a nice trip in fifth place, between runners. He was under pressure at the home turn, got to fourth at the 100m and lifted late to finish third.
Vostok, winner of his first three starts, raced in fourth place on the rails, continued along the inner to be third at the 200m and then held on for (1.9 lengths) fourth after seeming to have every chance.
Team Hawkes-trained Top Me Up was very slow to move and remained in last place in the 12-horse field to the 600m. He improved between runners nearing the home turn, switched deep at the 300m and ran on well for (2 lengths) fifth while smart colt Palentino was near last to the home turn and ran on nicely in restricted room for (2.9 lengths) seventh at his first run this preparation.