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Gentil Tonton wins 2017 Taumarunui Gold Cup Listed NZ$65,000 at Arawa Park (NZ), 2200m.
Racing on a Heavy 11 track, six-year-old Irish-bred gelding Gentil Tonton broke through for his first stakes win in 27 starts and his first win in 12 months in scoring here for new trainer John Bell. He settled just beyond midfield in the 12-horse field before improving nicely between runners at the 800m. He went deep (under riding) on straightening and kept plugging well in the conditions to grab a good win nearing the post.
Pump Up The Volume was back in second last place before going wide from the 800m. He was deepest of all on turning for home, challenged at the 100m and fought well under his 59.5kg for a second in a sound effort after conceding the winner 6.5kg.
The favourite and winner of this race last year, Jochen Rindt was second early on before taking the lead at the 1400m. He stuck to the rails on turning for home and weakened over the latter stages in the conditions after running a bold race to hold the minor placing.