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Legionnaire wins Exford Plate Listed, $140,000 at Flemington, 1400m.
No worse than fourth in five previous starts yet nonetheless a maiden heading into this, Legionnaire caused an upset here but won tough.
He began quickly to co-lead early, then dropped in to a lovely spot, one out and one back from the 1000m, remaining there to the 450m. From the top of the straight he moved out to challenge, got within a half length of the lead at the 300m, then took over narrowly at the 200m.
To the line he was challenged strongly but dug deep, gamely keeping his head in front to the line for a tough half neck win.
A top effort from Snapdancer ,who was midfield but widest from the 600m, balanced from the 400m, then tried hard all the way to the line for a close second.
Tenley was among the last few turning in and didn't get clear until late, then flew between runners to nab a close-up third. From back in the field Creator kept on doggedly wide out for fourth.