Confidently backed as favourite, H iManagirlff was, as expected, taken into the lead from barrier four by Cameron Hart and held off a predicted early challenge from Wisper A Secret.
Local star hope The Janitor was sent around the field early on by Pete McMullen, who seemed content to race outside the leader.
Don Hugo started well from the second row, but he could do little to improve his position from the field given the blistering pace of the leaders.
HI MANAMEISJEFF NOVEMBER 29 REPEAT
Hello Managirlff and the caretaker took off along the straight, leaving the others in their wake. Hello Managirlff looked for home and continued to straighten but the caretaker refused to give in and he made an attempt to restrain the leader but failed by just a head with Aroda in third just ahead of Don Hugo who finished ten meters from the winner.
Hi Managirlff rated a 1.49.3 for the tour which puts Don Hugo’s effort into perspective and it was the first time the 1.50 was broken in a Sunshine Sprint.
Hello Managirlff has had an eventful career and is now eight years old, but he is racing in the best form of his career for trainer Jason Grimson after being only narrowly beaten in the Victoria Cup in October. He rode only 42 times, good for 23 victories and a fastest time of 1.48.4.
While not taking anything away from Hi Managirlff, it was a huge run from The Janitor who was forced to race outside the leader but continued to battle on.
All three placegetters are likely to meet again on Saturday evening in the Group 1 $250,000 Blacks A Fake with the presence of Leap To Fame and a 2680m test trip. The barrier draw is likely to be a key factor and while Leap To Fame will be the testing material, the Placegetters of the Sunshine Sprint could play a prominent role as they can all keep their distance.
Don Hugo, who has now been placed at these last three performances, is ready to break through, but the question is whether he can match that with Leap To Fame.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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