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Danger Close wins 2014 Emma Booth Xmas Cup Listed $120,000 at Sandown-Hillside (VIC), 1000m.
Danger Close was ridden quietly as usual and settled last in the nine-horse field. Craig Newitt eased him wide nearing the home turn and he moved up well from the 400m, going to third at the 200m. He then came with a strong late bid to grab a good win, scoring by a short neck at the post.
Mr Make Believe showed his customary pace to race outside the leader (Lord Of The Sky), challenged strongly at the 200m, got to a narrow lead at the 50m, only to be run down nearing the post for a game second.
Eight Bills eased to settle on the rails in second last place in the ninehorse field. He improved between runners coming to the home turn, got a split going to fourth at the 200m and then battled on nicely for third.
The favourite Lord Of The Sky began quickly, went immediately to the lead. He grabbed a clear advantage as he turned for home, steering to the centre of the track (for better going) and he looked the winner when still clear at the 200m. But he tired from that point under his top weight (60kg) to finish (1.8 lengths) fourth, putting up a sound effort at his first run his preparation.