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In a desperate three-way finish to the blue riband Group 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m), it was race favourite Rocket Spade who came out on top at the conclusion of a thrilling contest.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained colt had gone into the race off a strong performance to win the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in his final lead-up to Sunday’s feature event at Ellerslie.
That run had hinted the son of Fastnet Rock would thrive on the 2400m of the Derby and so it proved as rider Craig Grylls provided a masterclass in getting Rocket Spade home after the pair were in last position with just 600m to run.
Rocket Spade, inner, masters Milford and Frontman (obscured, middle) to win the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
In a desperate three-way finish to the blue riband Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m), race favourite Rocket Spade came out on top at the conclusion of a thrilling contest. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained colt had gone into the race off a strong performance to win the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in his final lead-up to Sunday’s feature event at Ellerslie. That run had hinted the son of Fastnet Rock would thrive on the 2400m of the Derby and so it proved as rider Craig Grylls provided a masterclass in getting Rocket Spade home after the pair were in last position with just 600m to run.