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Vin De Dance wins 2018 Nz Derby Group 1 NZ$1,000,000 at Ellerslie (NZ), 2400m.
Originally set for the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) but returned to New Zealand after two average runs in Melbourne plus a last start close third in the Avondale Guineas (Gr 2, 2100m) leading into this, Vin De Dance lowered his head right on the line to win by a nose, his second win in nine starts.
He was wide near the pace in the first 300m but with a lap to run jockey Jason Waddell found a handy spot one off the fence in fourth. With 1200m to run he kept the leaders in view still stalking in fourth before racing up to challenge the leader (Irish Flame) inside the 1000m only to drop into the trail past the 800m.
A couple of runners rushed up and past at the 600m but Vin De Dance sat in behind and once into the straight had a great view. Pulling three wide he tried to get on terms with the new leader but as soon as he led was taken on strongly so Waddell sat down and pushed hard and the gelding kept finding, stride for stride and neck and neck, fighting it out right to the line with Vin De Dance lunging to hold on by the barest of margins.
A tenacious effort from Mongolianconqueror who was in a nice spot in sixth (rails) at the 1000m, was shuffled back near the last corner but was presented with a beautiful gap once into the straight where he levelled up to the winner at the 250m then fought, tooth and nail, all the way to the post only to lose in a head-bobber but a top effort.
Danzdanzdance moved up near the last corner and into the straight but was squeezed for a run at the 300m then recovered very well and kept on strongly to just nose out The Mayor who finished very well from midfield down the outside.
Endowment co led at the 150m and held on well for fifth although outstayed.