3 minute read
Catalyst wins Henley Park Mr Tiz Trophy, Group 3, NZ$70,000 at Ellerslie, 1200m.
Although last at the 600m, Catalyst , as expected, was too classy fresh up after his impressive NZ Two Thousand Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) win in November. He was last away and gave them all a start with a 1000m to run.
Jockey Troy Harris remained patient and inside the 600m he went forward to be second last at the top of the straight. He balanced, moved out at the 350m then lengthened his stride and soon caught the pacemaker.
Going too well and under no pressure he cleared out to be two and a quarter lengths in front at the line and in a smart 1.08.89 for the 1200m.
Run To Perfection sat fifth in the clear to the 600m, moved out to challenge at the top of the straight, co-led briefly at the 200m but had no answer to the winner to the line.
Bavella moved up to third (rails) rounding into the straight, challenged but looked flat then found more late to run on into third. Madam Hass took over at the 400m but was headed at the 200m then fought quite well for fourth