3 minute read

Hartnell wins 2018 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes Group 1 $500,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 1400m.

In a keenly contested finish where the entire field of 13 finished within 3.5 lengths of the winner, multiple Group One winner Hartnell prevailed in a really smart first up performance. He settled back in eighth place (wide with cover) from his difficult barrier (11), improved from the 700m, moved up (under riding) at the home turn and responded over the latter stages, coming with a late bid to score narrowly but well.

Single Gaze raced in tenth place on the rails, Kathy O’Hara got her along the inner in the straight and she ran on really well for a smart first up second.

Brave Smash raced in seventh place, between runners, angled into clear running on passing the 200m and caught the eye with his late closing third in good first up run.

Thronum went to the front as expected and battled on well for a close up fourth in a good effort, advancing in class here.

Lord Of The Sky was slowly away, made and early move to race outside the leader and held on for (0.7 lengths) fifth putting up a smart effort.

Abbey Marie made late ground and impressed with her late-closing (0.8 lengths) sixth while Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Mighty Boss made good late ground in restrict room for (0.9 lengths) seventh in another good first up run while the favourite Tosen Stardom was caught deep from his outside barrier (13) and after being back in the field early on, made a move to race in third place (thee wide) outside the leading duo before battling on for (2.4 lengths) 11th after a difficult trip.