Te Aroha September 19

 

 

This was a big effort from well back in the field. He saved ground closer to the inside around the home turn and battled well down the straight for third while the first two were on the better ground out wide.

 

 

Ellerslie September 20

 

 

Had a wide run from gate 11 and stuck on gamely for second. He was well beaten by the highly impressive winner Well Written, but had the rest of the field covered. This was his first raceday start and a maiden win looks close.

 

 

Trentham September 20

 

 

Dropped back in a race without much pace, but was able to make up plenty of ground along the inside in the straight to finish third. He clocked the fastest last 600m, 400m and 200m in the race.

 

 

Te Aroha September 21

 

 

There was plenty to like about this effort, running on strongly from well back and getting up for third in the fastest last 800m, 600m and 400m.

 

 

Gore September 21

 

 

Formerly a five-race winner and $340,000 earner between the North Island and Australia, he made his South Island debut here for new trainer Robert Dennis. He found 1100 metres too short, but was doing his best work late. Look out for him when he steps up over longer distances.