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Dez wins Winning Edge Presen.Winter Cup Group 3, NZ$100,000 at Riccarton Park, 1600m.
Lightly raced eight-year-old Dez ,third in this race last year, had the last say over the final 50m to take his record to seven wins (maiden stakes) in just 17 starts.
He settled midfield, one off the rail from the 1400m and maintained that position to the 600m where the entire field fanned for better going. Having not gone so wide Dez found himself handier turning in and, with cover, looked to improve further once straightened.
Rider Chris Johnson found a huge gap at the 300m and drove him through to third to go after the pacemaker. He eventually levelled up at the 50m then edged ahead late to get the nod by a head.
Rosewood sat fifth (rails) from the 1000m, improving to second turning in. She took over upon straightening and was going well in front but was finally caught at the 50m and bravely held on for second.
The first two were well clear of the rest. Flying Sardine was a handy fourth from the 600m, switched back to the inner to be third at the stop of the straight and battled hard to the line for third from Red Sierra who was well back at the 600m and ran home strongly through the middle to grab fourth late.