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Sweet Leader wins 2017 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes Group 3 NZ$700,00 at Te Rapa (NZ), 1200m.
Having his first run since a minor wind operation, Sweet Leader swamped a good field for this his third win in five starts. He was a tad slow from barrier seven and starting the bend at the 800m was second last against the fence. Turning in, he and jockey Craig Grylls found themselves last but Grylls did not panic, balancing the colt and went after the leaders, gathering them in between runners inside the 100m and surging clear in the final few strides to win impressively.
Honey Rider was fourth at the last corner, kept to the fence turning in and ran on gamely for a nice second.
Flamingo was last at the 600m, last turning in and kept up a strong run wide out to grab third late from early leader O'Rachael, who stayed on well for fourth.
Favourite Hall Of Fame took over at the top of the straight to the 150m and had every chance, fading slightly to finish (2.1 lenghts) fifth.