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2018 J Swap Matamata Breeders’ Stks Group 2 February 24 - Matamata

3 minute read

Spanish Whisper wins 2018 J Swap Matamata Breeders’ Stks Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Matamata (NZ), 1200m.

Spanish Whisper winning the J Swap Matamata Breeders' Stks Picture: Trish Dunell

In a dogged two-horse war over the final 200m Spanish Whisper held on by the barest of margins in a thrilling finish here. She led soon after the jump but was taken on throughout, leading past the 600m and into the home straight.

At the 250m she was challenged hard but rider Vinnie Colgan asked the question and she kept responding, never losing the lead and fighting hard to just hold on for win two from three starts and her maiden stakes win.

She’s A Thief sat outside the winner the entire journey, challenged hard at the 250m and looked like she might have the advantage but the winner would not let her pass and the two of them had a great tussle to the line.

The Real Beel turned for home in fourth and ran on quite well without any chance of catching the first two from Valalie, who from third last into the straight made a good run next to the rail to run into fourth.