This Listed Open Handicap mile was run at a reasonable clip and saw a former North Island trained gelding Kolonel Kev win second up and remain undefeated since changing stable. The 6yo trailed the leaders and pushed off aggressively near the home turn to get into clear air before taking the lead 300m out. He kept on kicking too well for his rivals and scored by three-quarters of a length in 1:35.97 to record his seventh win from thirty-five starts. Today was his first blacktype win having in numerous attempts prior only achieved a G2 placing as a 3yo. It was his second run for the Terri Rae yard and he is two-for-two now for his new yard plus the gelding likes the mile with four of his wins coming at this trip. Boots ‘N’ All was a game second after settling back and coming up sixth and the deepest runner turning for home. He sustained a strong finish to reach second at the 200m and kept coming right to the line. Tommy Tucker was trying to win this for the third time in a row and ran a game third under 60kg after sitting fifth the fence and winding up late. Vinevale sat second and then took the lead turning for home before being headed at the 300m. She was still third with 100m to go but lost that blacktype placing the final 25m. Son Of Maher the clear favourite was a tad disappointing in finishing fifth after getting a good run fourth the outer and he had every chance. Coulee was noticed running on late and the stablemate of the third finisher does not usually get as far back as she did on settling. Aspen Lass settled down last and fought on okay with the stablemate of the winner an improver when next seen out. Spider set the pace and wilted while Cracking Rosie never looked likely from the rear duo and was last on her own across the top. This race only has significance for the South Island bar one or two of these turning up at Trentham in January to meet stronger depth. Five of this field are former North Island trained gallopers and they do seem to find the South Island depth significantly inferior.