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Coulee wins 2017 Valachi Downs Breeders Stakes Group 3 NZ$80,000 at Riccarton Park (NZ) Fillies & Mares, 1600m.
Top weight and favourite Coulee scored a convincing win here. Under apprentice rider Jacob Lowry, she began as well as any from barrier two but settled third (rail) passing the 1200m. Lowry continued to save ground around the big Riccarton bend but into the straight was presented with a clear run. Drifting out towards the middle of the course, she was not ask for an effort until the 250m and soon after she took over, then outstayed them to the line by a half length.
Stablemate Fascinate sat one out and one back on the winner's flanks to the last corner, pulled wider into the straight and kept up a solid run to the line for a good second.
Dontpokethetiger led around the bend, into the straight and past the 300m then fought on well to hold third. Fairlight was midfield turning in, stayed next to the rail and ran on fairly well to hold fourth.