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Pilote D’Essa wins 2016 Ballarat Cup Listed $300,000 at Ballarat (VIC), 2200m.

The Lindsay Park-trained import Pilote D'Essai put up a strong front-running performance in scoring his second win (his first at stakes level) of seven Australian starts since racing in France in 2015. He began quickly from his wide barrier (15) and showed good pace before crossing to the lead nearing the 1600m. He then ran along at quite a good tempo, held a clear break on straightening and went on to win well in a solid staying effort.

Scherzoso settled nicely back in tenth place, on the rails. He got through to seventh coming to the home turn, put in a good run from the 300m and kept making ground, without threatening the winner, to take a good second.

Manageress settled particularly well in fifth place on the rails, from her good barrier (2). She went along the inner at the home turn and got to third in turning for home and then kept fighting on nicely to hold the minor placing after enjoying a good trip.

Puccini was back in 12th place at the 800m and made late ground for (4.5 lengths) fourth while the favourite Lidari was a handy fourth most of the way to the home turn but disappointed in the straight, tiring to finish 12th, beaten almost ten lengths.