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Magic Chai wins 2018 Castletown Wellington Cup Group 3 NZ$250,000 at Trentham (NZ), 3200m.
Following two wins and a solid third in his last three starts, Magic Chai proved the best stayer here in a slowish time. He was among the last three (rails) with a round to go and remained there past the 1000m before getting away from the fence at the 700m.
Rider Michael McNab continued to improve although widest turning in then balanced up to go after the leaders. Gradually they ran up alongside the leaders then accelerated quickly at the 100m to put the race away, his fifth in 18 starts.
Sampson led at the 1600m, was second at the 800m, co-led turning in then fought all the way to the line for a dour second from Alinko Prince who co-led at the top of the straight and who also fought on for a close third.
Giving the field 5.5kg, top weight Patrick Erin did well to hold fourth down on the inner.