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Tosen Stardom wins 2017 Emirates Stakes Group 1 $2,000,000 at Flemington (VIC), 2000m.
Japanese-bred entire Tosen Stardom, recent winner of the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) at Caulfield on 14 October, took out his second Group One race in Australia since joining the Darren Weir stable last year. He settled back in ninth place (on the rails), behind quite a good tempo (first 1400m 1:26.46) before improving, between runners) at the home turn but was blocked on straightening. Damian Lane finally angled him into clear running at the 200m and he then finished fast to score quite impressively.
Happy Clapper travelled well back in eighth place, one off the rails, before tracking up behind runners rounding the home turn. He then kept running on resolutely to take a good second.
It’s Somewhat raced in sixth place, one off the rails, improved (wide with cover) nearing the home turn. He was in a challenging position at the 200m and kept fighting well for a good third.
Aidan O’Brien-trained The Taj Mahal raced fourth place (on the rails), got a split to challenge at the 300m and kept battling on well for (1.8 lengths) fourth in a good effort at his second Australian start.
Folkswood was caught deep from his outside barrier (12) and settled in third place (trapped three wide, without cover). He challenged coming to the home turn and then held on very well for (1.9 lengths) fifth after a difficult trip, his wide barrier proving costly.
The threeyear-old Cliff’s Edge raced in second place, moved up to the leader (Gailo Chop) at the 800m, took the lead at the 200m and then battled on well for a very good (2.1 lengths) sixth after running a bold race.