Instinction wins the Listed Hilton Hotel Stakes at Flemington

Three-year-old colt Instinction has backed up his maiden win at Kyneton with a win in the Listed Hilton Hotel Stakes at Flemington today.

The regally bred Exceed And Excel colt, who is out of an Encosta De Lago mare, won the race in a head-bob in front of Mahisara.

Amah Rock held on for third, while race favourite Mental sprinted home to snare fourth.

Jockey Craig Newitt had ridden Instinction in all his previous five race starts.

“I knew he’d be strong late… he fought it out really good,” Newitt said.

“I was only in front for one stride but it was the one that counted.

“The cattle that Mick (Price has) got… he’s placing them extremely well.”

Trainer Mick Price felt Instinction’s inside barrier had made the winning difference in the race.

“Barrier one, it’s a beautiful gate sometimes, especially the way this track is,” Price said.

“I really wanted to ride him in the Carbine Club (stakes) off his maiden.

“Hopefully he can bounce back in seven days and win the Sandown Guineas.

“He’s bred to get 1,600 (metres).”

Price has set a long term target of the Group 1 Australian Guineas for Instinction during next year’s autumn racing carnival.