Tamariki rockets down the stretch to capture the Gold Champ Challenge

Tamariki looked like he had a jetpack in the second half, and cruised by everything in sight to capture this week’s Gold Champ Challenge. This is his second straight stakes victory, and pushes him over the $125000 mark in earnings. It also raises him to the number 34 ranked juvenile turf sprinter, and 70 rank on dirt. He has proven himself capable on both surfaces, notching stakes wins and 80+ speeds on dirt and turf. These last two, his first tries on turf though have been career best efforts.

Seven Lives took command from the gate, pressed hard by Metal Rush. They fought for every inch, with Seven Lives finally being able to open up some daylight just past the half. At the top of the stretch, Seven Lives had a length and three quarters on Metal Rush, and five lengths on the rest of the field. It looked like he was going to cruise down the stretch and capture his fourth straight wire to wire effort. He wasn’t counting on Tamariki, though, who from still five lengths down at the top of the stretch, just exploded, passing horses like they were out for an autumn stroll. He passed Seven Lives deep in the stretch and tacked on another length and three quarters for good measure to win it convincingly. Seven Lives’ excellent effort gained him a second place finish, and Metal Rush hung on for third, four and three quarters out at the wire.