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River Lad prevailed in an enthralling duel with Benny's Buttons to won the BRC Sprint in the last of the day at Doomben.
River Lad, having his second run this preparation, was quickly away from his wide draw (10) and soon crossed to the lead and was able to steady to pace, until challenged shortly after turning for home.
He then showed a lot of courage and kept fighting back gamely to score by a long head.
Benny’s Buttons also went forward from a wide barrier (12) and raced outside the leader and eventual winner River Lad from the 800m mark. He challenged that horse once into the straight and they had a great battle before finishing second, beaten only a long head.
Fire Up Fifi was sixth, one off the rails, before moving up well rounding the home turn. She was beaten for pace at the 200m but rallied late to take third, beaten just over three lengths.
Dances On Stars was midfield, wide with cover. He improved deep nearing the home turn, put in a run going to third at the 100m but tired slightly nearing the post to just miss the minor placing, finishing fourth.
Steel Zip was a handy third to the turn and held on for fifth while the dual Group One winner Solzhenitsyn, having his second run from a spell, raced near the tail of the field all the way and failed to make up any ground under 61kg to finish a disappointing last.