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Sword Of Osman wins 2018 Reid & Harrison Ltd Slipper Group 3 NZ$70,000 at Matamata (NZ), 1200m.
Representing the powerful Te Akau stable, Sword Of Osman gave nothing else a chance, clearing out to win impressively here. He found a narrow lead soon after the jump and travelled well to the last corner however once into the straight Opie Bosson gave him a squeeze and they began to move clear.
At the 200m Bosson waved the whip but he needn’t have, the race was sewn up, cruising clear by five lengths at the post, the promising colt’s second win (first at black-type level) in three starts.
Thomas Aquinas settled back early but improved steadily throughout the journey, pulled out four wide turning in and kept on very well the length of the straight for a distant but solid second.
Handsome Rebel was second last into the straight then ran on well to grab third from Masque, who tried to match Handsome Rebel late, running into fourth just before the post.