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Avantage wins Telegraph, Group 1, NZ$250,000 at Trentham, 1200m,
Freshened after two untypical Sydney starts in the spring for a close Listed second at Ellerslie on Boxing Day Avantage, a former Group 1-winning two-year-old, was tenacious in gaining her eighth win in 14 career starts.
From barrier 13, jockey Opie Bosson had her covered up in midfield soon after the start but at the crossing moved out for clear running. From the 400m she drove up to third, almost levelled up with the leader at the 200m, put her head in front at the 100m and after a brief tussle edged forward to score by a short-neck.
World traveller Enzo's Lad was brave. He was pushed out at the 800m but at the crossing went up and took over in front. At the 400m he went clear, went strongly to the 200m before being caught, gave the winner a good tussle but was outgunned for a valiant second.
The first two were clear of the rest. Spring Heat made a promising run from the 400m but ran into traffic, pulled wider when clear and finished well to take third.
Julius was a handy fourth at the 400m, got to third at the 150m but could not find any more to the line, while Winter Bride was knocked when making her challenge, recovered and ran on for fifth.