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All Roads wins 2017 Japan Nz Intl Trophy Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Tauranga (NZ), 1600m.
A big win by the favourite, All Roads, who scored his first victory since last September following promising recent efforts. He and rider Kelly McCulloch steadied early to settle last passing the 1400m. They improved slightly, three wide, at the 1000m but drifted again to be last past the 600m and just prior to straightening. Into the straight McCulloch looked for a way through and found one when a split opened at the 250m, drove through and bounded up to grab the lead at the 150m. From there, they had to stave off a late challenge having just a short neck to spare at the wire.
Top weight Scapolo was three wide at the 800m and widest turning then made a strong run, flying home late, out in the middle of the track but couldn't quite bridge the gap for an excellent second.
Beefeater was well back turning in, had trouble getting clear at the 300m then ran on very well for third.
Our King Sway ducked through next to the fence at the top of the straight and lunged into fourth at the line.