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Catalyst wins N.Z. 2000 Guineas, Group 1, NZ$500,000 at Riccarton Park, 1600m.
He's special all right and Catalyst proved beyond all doubt that he is the best three-year-old in the country, showing oodles of class, overcoming a heavy bump at the top of the straight then racing away for yet another impressive victory, his fifth in six starts and fourth successive stakes.
He settled midfield fifth (rails) soon after the jump and remained there from the first corner, around the bend and approaching the home straight.
The mediocre pace saw the field compact starting the run home and Catalyst was in traffic yet moved away from the fence just as Run To Perfection drifted inwards.
A heavy bump momentarily unbalanced him but space opened up at the 300m and he bounded up alongside the leaders then catapulted clear. In cruise mode, jockey Troy Harris looked over his shoulder but the damage was done and he was allowed to ease down at the line, a flattering two and quarter lengths clear.
A super run from Harlech who was last at the 1200m, improved to third last at the 800m, pulled out from the 400m and maintained a long, strong run out in the centre of the track in a very solid run for second.
Sherwood Forest sat third past the 800m, went forward to challenge from the top of the straight and took over at the 300m.
He went to line doggedly to be a clear third. Run To Perfection went up to fourth at the 600m, bumped the winner at the 400m yet recovered sufficiently to keep going gamely to the line for fourth.
Zelenski sat second into the straight and was squeezed for room but once in the clear, ground away for fifth.