Racing: Sam too fast out in front

Sam Spratt is deadly when allowed to control the speed as her rivals found in the $70,000 (Group Three) Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie.

Spratt yesterday teamed up again with last-start upset winner Run Like Al and they were left in front throughout the 1600m and outsprinted the opposition to win by 2 lengths over the fast-closing favourite Mill Duckie. A further neck away third was Alagant Satin with the same margin back to Sir Slick.

Run Like Al was a promising performer for the Moroneys in Matamata before injury problems.

A switch to the smaller stable of Jakki Good at Waiuku has seen a huge change in the 5-year-old's performances.

Good has an impressive strike rate handling unsound and unwanted performers from larger stables.

Run Like Al did not help his chances by running to the outside of the track in the home straight but it made little difference as he was well clear and won easily.

If Good can get Run Like Al to run in a straight line down the straight at Ellerslie he will be worth following during the Christmas racing carnival.

Mill Duckie lost few admirers with a sustained sprint while Alagant Satin did not help her chances sweating up before the race.

Iron-horse Sir Slick was lost for early speed and settled well off the lead but made ground impressively in the home stretch. The veteran has a huge following and is again in great form.