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Mio Dio wins 2017 Spring Stakes Group 3 $120,000 at Morphettville (SA), 1200m.
Will Clarken-trained gelding Mio Dio, a noted wet-tracker, broke through for his first Group success in scoring his 11th win in 55 starts here. He settled in second last place in the 11-horse field, switched widest of all rounding the home turn and came with a late run (out deep) to score quite comfortably at the post, appreciating the Heavy 8 conditions.
The well-performed Lord Aspen, a winner of eight of his previous 17 starts, put up a good first up effort. He raced in eighth place, wide with cover, went deep at the home turn, challenged at the 100m and then fought well for second.
Casino Wizard was wide early on, before moving up to race outside the leader (Lankan Rupee). He got the upper hand on straightening and dashed to the lead before fighting on for third, putting up a nice first up run after working in the early stages.
Multiple Group One winner Lankan Rupee went to the front from his inside barrier (1), had some early pressure to retain the lead but was quickly beaten on turning for home and dropped out to finish (14.6 lengths) last, racing well below his high quality form.
