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Invincible Gem wins 2017 Missile Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Randwick (NSW), 1200m.
Kris Lees-trained mare Invincible Gem, resuming after her very good second in the Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) in March, scored an impressive first-up win. She settled in fifth place (between runners), switched out to track her main rival (Le Romain) on straightening, challenged at the 100m and finished too well for a very good win. Her stablemate and favourite Le Romain began well but was caught a bit deep from barrier seven, racing in fourth place. He moved up to challenge at the 200m and kept fighting on well for second in a sound first up effort.
The Monstar had a nice trip in fourth place, challenged at the 200m and held on well for a very good third in this class.
Boss Lane raced behind the leader (Jungle Edge), got along the inner at the 200m and battled on well for (2.2 lengths) fourth, again showing his likely for Randwick.
ATC Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) runner-up Harper’s Choice caught the eye running on from last at the 600m for a good first-up (3.5 lengths) fifth while Tycoon Tara missed the start, was near last to the home turn and did not threaten in finishing (5.7 lengths) sixth at her first run since winning the Tatt’s Tiara (Gr 1, 1350m) at Doomben on 24 June.