The connections of Group 1-winning gelding Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) have opted to keep him in Melbourne for the spring to avoid Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), and that move paid dividends on Saturday as the 6-year-old cruised to victory in the G2 PB Lawrence S. at Caulfield. Second to Winx on four occasions last year, including the G1 Cox Plate and G1 Queen Elizabeth S., Hartnell was recording his first win on Saturday since the Oct. 2 G1 Turnbull S. Racing a keen second behind Charmed Harmony (Aus) (Hussonet) under Craig Williams with Tosen Stardom (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) on his heels and Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart (Aus) (Blackfriars {Aus}) behind that rival, Hartnell needed just a pair of reminders with the whip in the lane to overtake Charmed Harmony and draw clear by 2 1/4 lengths. Black Heart Bart made a mild rally to be third, and was found to be mildly lame post-race.
“The team was very confident today and the horse delivered– that win is even better than it looks,” Williams told Racenet.com.au. “He was on his wrong leg all the way and off the bend but he was just very dominant and there's more to come. The experience around here just makes him a more seasoned horse.”
Next up for Hartnell will be the G1 Makybe Diva S. on Sept. 16.
Also at Caulfield on Saturday, last season's G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Catchy (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) was beaten a neck by Crown Witness (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}) in the G3 Quezette S. while making her first start since finishing last in a boggy G1 Golden Slipper on Mar. 18. Three-year-old Snitzel (Aus) colt Jukebox (Aus) extended his unbeaten record to three with a neck score in the G3 Vain S., and G1 Darley Goodwood S. winner Vega Magic (Aus) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) strengthened his Everest claims with a win in the Listed Regal Roller S.
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