The $125,000 OLG Halton Stakes presented by Tipperary Equestrian, was contested at a flat mile over a firm E.P. Taylor Turf Course and drew a field of 10, including the defending champion Hampstead Heath, who scored as the 2-1 choice a year ago. This time he was let go at 6-1.
Spin the King set the early fractions of :23.45 and :46 while pursued by the 2-1 favourite Star Contender. Meanwhile, Hampstead Heath was allowed to settle near the back of the pack until roused around the far turn to mount his challenge.
Star Contender disposed of the leader turning for home, reaching six panels in 1:09.89, but Hampstead Heath kept coming down the middle of the course, eventually getting in front inside the sixteenth pole and crossing the wire in 1:34.57.
“He was nice and relaxed and we were going a nice gallop,” said Moran. “When I got him out, he quickened up nice and finished really strong to the wire. From the head of the lane, the horse just put his neck down and ran. At no stage did I think I wasn’t going to catch (jockey) Patrick (Husbands, aboard Star Contender).”
Hampstead Heath paid $14.90, $5.50 and $4.10, combining with Star Contender ($3.80, $3.50) for a $57.50 (7-3) exactor. A 7-3-9 (Ultimate Destiny, $7) triactor was worth $571.50 while a $1 Superfecta [7-3-9-2 (Crushin Hard)] returned a whopping $2,219.10. Entwistle was scratched.
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