This was a fast run G1 Open Handicap over 1200m with a former New Zealand trained sprinter in Start Wondering winning for what was his third stable in just over two years of racing. The now 6yo gelding started off with Paul Belsham at Wanganui and after four wins in his first eight starts was transferred to Chris Waller at Rosehill where he won three of five starts. Belsham sadly was lost to training when it proved not economically viable in New Zealand anymore with stakes stagnantly low but costs still rising greatly. Evan Rayner and his daughter JJ got Start Wondering after he bled in Australia and returned to New Zealand with the duo training at Wanganui getting the nod. Start Wondering has never contested a Group or Listed race until he resumed after the bleed and won at Listed level at Te Rapa easily. The fact he could win at G1 now proved the sprinting depth is non-existent in New Zealand at the moment. He disputed the pace with a quartet early then took a good sit fourth the outer and the when detonated the run home strode up and led at the 250m. His winning margin on the line was a comfortable length and a quarter and the time clocked 1:08.84. It was his ninth win from sixteen starts and that covers success at 1200m to 1600m and on all types of footing. Perfect Fit ran a game second but she had her chance and seemed to be not stretching out properly the closing stages and perhaps felt the firm track. She drew wide but got over easily to sit sixth and one-off as the first four early on drag-raced leaving gaps to get in. When she was asked to unleash the response was not her usual explosiveness and more a sustained surge but she was second at the 100m and not making any more progress. Reilly Lincoln finished a sound third after being in the leading quartet along with the eventual winner. Natuzzi ran home strongly for fourth as he always does, after settling back on the inner while Summer’s Day caught the eye too the closing stages with a stout finish late from well back. Statham was sixth beaten just under three lengths after settling down fifth the inner while Irish Moon, which was wide then took the lead clearly at the 800m got run over into seventh and was not too bad all things considered. Brighton was running home well late from the rear duo and did well to be beaten four lengths. Snowdrop was a disappointment after disputing the early lead then taking a trail. Red Striker did not run home as well as she normally can and maybe she is not a genuine G1 sprinter. Astara for a 3yo filly fresh up that is speedy got back and wide and had an overland trip so to be beaten five lengths was not that bad an effort. Everyone saw the unlucky No More Tears that was midfield the inner and going well but had no clear air ahead at the 200m and was grabbed hold of dramatically by her rider so is a total forgive. Start Wondering was way too good and getting half a kilo from the mare Perfect Fit helped but he had her covered regardless so now it is just a matter of seeing if he can cope at WFA. This did not look a G1 field on paper for depth at all and so it proved but you can only beat what you meet. Perfect Fit is a G1 winner in New Zealand but was found out at G2 at under 53kg at Eagle Farm to give more perspective of this race and result. Natuzzi is a Listed level sprinter in Australia maximum but a G1 performer in New Zealand (four times placed including under WFA and Handicap scale) and now an 8yo to give more proof of the field standard.