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Villermont wins 2017 Sandown Guineas Group 2 $250,000 at Sandown-Hillside (VIC), 1600m.

The promising Aaron Purcell-trained colt Villermont impressed in advancing at his fourth start to take out this Group Two race. He was ridden quietly by Luke Nolen and remained at the tail of the 11-horse field until nearing the home turn. He then put in a strong run from the 300m, challenged at the 100m and finished too well to take a narrow but very good win, sprinting home in quick time (last 600m in 34.01).

Another lightly-raced colt, the Darren Weir-trained Peaceful State began well but was caught deep from his outside barrier (11) and was eased to race midfield but still wide. He moved up well (wide out) at the 300m, challenged on passing the 100m and fought gamely for a very good (head) second after a difficult trip in a really impressive effort at only his third race start.

The winner’s stablemate Black Sail began well, went to the front and set a reasonable pace (first 1000m 1:02.68). He grabbed a break at the 400m and then fought back well for a closeup third.

Beau Geste settled in eighth place, one off the rails, improved between runners rounding the home turn, angled into clear running at the 300m and kept fighting on well for (3.3 lengths) fourth.

Vinland raced in sixth place, between runners, got into clear running at the 300m, briefly looked a threat at the 200m and the battled on quite well for (3.7 lengths) fifth at only his fourth race start and his second run this preparation.