It was billed as a match race between Don’t Stop Dreaming and Merlin but, in the end, it was an impressive and convincing all-the-way win for Merlin.
It was also a second group 1 on end for Zachary Butcher and the partnership of Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan after the win of Duchess Megxit in the 2-year-old fillies’ race.
From his handy draw, Merlin blasted out of the gate and took up the lead while Don’t Stop Dreaming had a much tougher run but never relented in finishing second.
After the race Butcher said :"I love him’’ when talking about Merlin.
"It’s been a lovely end to the year and I’d like to thank everyone who’s helped me. It’s been a very enjoyable year.’’
Merlin’s stablemate, Sooner The Bettor, finished third.
It was a bit touch and go there for a while but the hottest of favourites Oscar Bonavena got up and won the last of the day.
Mark Purdon was in a tricky spot when the champion trotter was three back on the fence with 900m to go but he managed to squeeze his way through traffic, courtesy of the passing lane, to win going away. It was his 22nd win in 57 starts.
The pacemaking Majestic Man held on for second, from Time Up The Hill. It completed a great double for Oscar Bonavena, after his triumph in the Dominion Trot.
Purdon summed up exactly where his champion trotter is at: "He’s in the zone.’’.
It was Purdon’s second group 1 for the day, following on from the victory for the All Stars Stable of We Walk By Faith in the race for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
The Purdon-driven We Walk By Faith capitalised on a perfect run, getting off the gate well and then securing the trail behind stablemate Major Hot.
Once We Walk With Faith got to the passing lane it was game over.
Major Hot and Blair Orange just held on to second, with Dreams Are Free rattling home for third, after being three back the fence for Nathan Williamson.
It was We Walk With Faith's third win in six starts.
"I was a bit worried the last bit but when we got to the passing lane he rallied well and it was a good win,’’ Purdon said.
Mantra Blue was all the rage in the New Zealand Oaks following the scratching of Millwood Nike but she was just tipped by Aardiebytheseaside by a nose in a thrilling finish.
Mantra Blue took the lead from Aardiebytheseaside who got the saloon passage in the trail. She then drew alongside the hot favourite before prevailing by the narrowest of margins for Tim Williams.
"To win these big races with these horses on the big day — that's what it is all about,’’ Williams said.
"Full credit to her. She never goes a bad race."
It's Aardiebytheseaside's eighth win in 21 starts for Team Telfer.
— Staff reporter
