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Gabella wins 2016 Centaurea Stakes Listed $100,000 at Morphettville (SA) Fillies & Mares, 2015m.
Craig Williams, aboard the favourite Gabella, hunted her up to be third early then dropped back a couple of spots yet handy enough, one off the fence, at the 1600m. The first five began to spread out at the 800m but Williams sat patiently. Just before the last corner he rushed the mare forward so as to be in a challenging position. Second turning in she balanced and went after the leader (Metaphorical) and gradually levelled up (wide) then pulled clear over the last 50m for a sound win.
Metaphorical tried to steal the race at the 800m out by three lengths and held them by two turning in. Going strongly at the 150m she looked likely but Gabella eventually collared her at the 50m, holding on gamely for second.
Holy Cow was third last at the 1200m and at the 600m as well. She was slow to accelerate upon straightening but really motored the last 150m, travelling better than the rest for a late third.