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Pornichet wins 2014 Mack Tow Sandown Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Sandown-Hillside (VIC), 1500m.
The French-bred Pornichet, the $2.15 favourite, settled in a perfect spot, back in third place following a good tempo (first 1000m 1:00.14). He moved up on turning for home, challenged at the 200m, got to the front at the 100m and gradually forged clear to win by just over a length, putting up a sound effort at his second Australian start.
General Groove travelled well in seventh place on the rails, got a split nearing the 300m going to fourth at the 200m and then fought on nicely for a sound second.
The eight-year-old Spacecraft showed his customary pace, leading the field until the 200m and then held on quite well for a good third.
Another Prelate was midfield and wide, put in a run going to fourth coming to the turn and then battled on well for fourth.
The second favourite Red Bomber was back in eighth place to the turn but dropped out in the straight to finish last, racing well below his good form, suggesting something was amiss. A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities other than the gelding losing his near fore plate during the race.
