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Mer De Glace wins Stella Artois Caulfield Cup, Group 1, $5,000,000 at Caulfield, 2400m.
The Japanese entire Mer De Glace staged a most impressive performance in taking out this feature Group 1 race at his Australian debut and is now the winner of his last six races in succession.
He was ridden patiently from his difficult barrier (17) by Damian Lane and settled in second last place in the 18-horse field before improving (deep) from the 700m. He then continued a strong run, hit the front nearing the 100m and then went on to score by a length.
Vow And Declare settled beyond midfield, improved (deep) from the 600m, went to fourth at the 200m and then kept fighting on very well for second.
Mirage Dancer had a nice trip in eighth place, improved between runners nearing the home turn, got a split to challenge at the 200m and then fought really well for third.
Constantinople raced in 11th place, between runners, but was shuffled back coming to the home turn, finally got a split at the 200m and then ran on well for (1.4 lengths) fourth, looking somewhat unlucky.
Finche began well from his wide barrier (15) but was caught deep in sixth place and then travelled wide. He moved up at the home turn, took the lead at the 300m and then held on well for (1.6 lengths) fifth after a taxing trip.
Mustajeer settled towards the tail of the field, tracked up behind runners coming to the home turn and then battled on very well in the straight for (1.8 lengths) sixth in a good effort at his first Australian start.