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Volkstok'n'barrell wins 2017 Herbie Dyke Stakes Group 1 NZ$400,000 at Te Rapa (NZ), 2000m.
After several somewhat flat performances, Volkstok'n'barrell returned to his best, scoring his fourth Group One in a sound effort here. Rider Vinnie Colgan got him away well from barrier two and they settled fifth with a round to go. Down the back, Colgan kept to the fence (sixth) where they remained until just prior to turning for home, when they moved off the fence ready to challenge. Into the home straight, a possible gap closed but at the 300m opened again so they pushed through, put in three or four big strides and took over at the 150m.
All out, they headed for the line and held on bravely by a long head from the Savile Row, who was fifth, outside the winner at the 800m and improved to be just in behind the pace at the last corner. Into the straight he took some time to balance but at the 200m went after the winner, inching closer with each stride but just coming up short.
Authentic Paddy had them stretched out down the back, led around the bend into the home straight, was headed at the 300m, led again at the 200m and fought doggedly to the wire.
The unlucky runner was Abidewithme who was wide turning in, knocked hard twice as they straightened and rattled home late to finish fourth, beaten a nose to deny her third.
Consensus had the run of the race in third at the last corner, looked a danger at the 200m but could only battle away to hold fifth.