Guy Walter-trained stayer Twin Wing has fought off a host of rivals in the straight to lead all of the way and win the Listed $150,000 Grafton Cup (2350m) a year after he ran third in the same event.

Dropping back from the 3200m of the Stayer's Cup at Rosehill when third behind Strike One, Jay Ford and Twin Wing set out in the Grafton Cup trying to emulate their front-running victory in the Winter Cup (2400m) at Randwick on June 5.

Their intentions were clear right from the start as the pair strode to the front from an outside barrier. In the middle stages of the event Twin Wing held a two-length lead over his nearest rivals.

As the field straightened, it looked as if the seven-year-old was under pressure with Frozone even passing Twin Wing in the straight.

To his credit, Twin Wing fought back well in the closing stages to record a gutsy win in the $150,000 Grafton Cup (2350m).

Twin Wing ran a close third in last years Grafton Cup when worn down in the closing stages by Castle Heights.

The Istidaad gelding went two better today and has now recorded a pair of Listed wins this campaign.

With success in the Grafton Cup today and the Winter Cup two starts ago, Twin Wing now boasts nine career wins and earnings closing in on $500,000.

Favourite in today's Grafton Cup, Gerald Ryan-trained Ironstein could only manage third. The Zabeel gelding was given every chance thanks to jockey Michael Cahill who positioned the four-year-old just off the pace on the rail throughout.
 

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