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Sampson wins 2019 Gallagher Marton Cup Listed NZ$55.000 at Awapuni (NZ), 2200m.
Careering away by three and three quarter lengths for his tenth win (third stakes), Sampson belied his nine years with a big win here, taking his earnings beyond $400,000 in the process.
Jockey Johnathan Parkes found the fence in fourth with a circuit to run. Starting the back straight he was now sixth yet handy enough and at the 800m within four lengths of the lead.
When the pace increased at the 600m he was shuffled back to third last, locked away on the fence turning in. Parkes rode for luck, hugged the rail and pushed forward where space opened one out at the 250m.
Full of running, he dashed up alongside the leader then surged into the lead and ran to the line well clear. China Star took up the pace soon after the start and had an easy time to the 500m where she was tackled yet fought back to lead again at the 300m then did well to hold second.
Jacksstar made his run from the 600m to be three wide fifth turning in then kept up a solid run for third, a half neck back. Petite En Jeu tackled the leader turning in and looked a chance but dropped away then barely held on for fourth.