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Chocante wins 2016 Ssangyong Counties Cup Group 3 NZ$100,000 at Pukekohe Park (NZ), 2100m.
Up-and-coming stayer, Chocante, took his brief ten-race record to four wins with a top rate win here. Certainly his lightweight was a factor but the four-year-old had no favours in the running and won well. From barrier 11, rider Craig Grylls was caught wide past the post with a circuit to run. Down the back straight they were three wide yet handy enough (fourth) then moved a little closer passing the 800m yet could not get cover. Swinging for home Grylls nursed him to the 300m mark and they challenged for the lead at the 200m and were going well, then pulled clear inside the 100m for a very hard fought win.
El Pistola was second passing the 800m, moved up and took over the lead once into the straight and set for home. She ran gamely the length of the straight and held on for second.
Jiayuguan was midfield (one out) starting the last bend, moved out three wide but was blocked for run until the 200 metres then ran on very well, failing by a nose to grab second.