Nangar Flame wins 2017 Group 2 Richmond Derby
NANGAR Flame has produced a powerful finish to take out the Group 2 Richmond Derby (535m) final on Friday night.
Jumping from box eight, the black dog was fairly into stride, slipping into fourth position around the first turn.
Meanwhile, showing the way out in front was Mack Tux (box three) which began beautifully, leading over Barking Bad (box two) and Wicked Warrior (box five).
Down the back straight, Barking Bad moved up to challenge the leader which was able to kick clear once again approaching the home turn.
Entering the home straight, Mack Tux had increased his margin, however Nangar Flame was gathering plenty of momentum and swiftly took the lead half way down the straight.
In the run to the line, Nangar Flame slipped into top gear, sprinting away from his opponents to score by one-and-one-quarter lengths in 30.58.
Mack Tux was gallant in defeat, finishing second, with Barking Bad rounding out the trifecta in third spot.
Trained by Anthony Azzopardi, Nangar Flame is a son of Collision and Flash Fancy and has now won 18 of his 57 starts with an additional 23 minor placings.
Friday night's winner's cheque also bolstered his prize money earnings, with the black dog now boasting $109,126 to his name.