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Vassal wins 2017 Christmas Cup Listed $125,000 at Randwick (NSW), 2400m.
After six wins and ten placings in 27 Australian starts, British-bred stayer Vassal broke through for his first stakes success here. He settled back in second last place in the seven-horse field, behind a moderate tempo, before tracking up nicely nearing the home turn.
He went to third (under riding) at the 200m and then finished too well to score quite decisively in a good staying effort.
The favourite Broadside went to the front, set a reasonable pace, was challenged on turning for home and kept battling on quite well under his 59kg top weight to take second in a photo.
Prince Cheri, who was having his fi ‑ h race start since joining the John O’Shea table, raced in fourth place (one out and one back), looked the winner when he hit the front at the 200m but he just kept battling on from that point for third.
