Gandalf on Wednesday shone brightly like a diamond in the sky to win the featured Diamonds International/Crown of Light Boxing Day Stakes and Trophy (Gr.I.-Bar) over 1 570 metres at the Garrison Savannah.
Just like he did one month ago, the Bills Inc.-owned colt took his eight other top-class opponents on a sightseeing tour of the Garrison from the front before an appreciative crowd on Diamonds International/Crown of Light Boxing Day At The Races Raceday.
The Victor Cheeseman horse laboured through the first quarter in 25.1, which invariably gave his pursuers a fighting chance. No Not Again and Campaigner’s Gold took up the task of challenging for the lead. But with the remaining runners all scrambling to create an impression, Celestial Storm followed the path of No Not Again when Campaigner’s Gold pace application became null and void going through the hill.
Gandalf, ridden by jockey Rickey Walcott, was kept interested and remained resilient when the grey filly Celestial Storm flashed by a tenacious No Not Again in the middle of the home stretch. (LY)
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