This G2 3yo over 1400m saw an all the way win to Saracino, the class runner in the field by a margin albeit the line-up was not very deep at all. The colt controlled the race from the outset and when a rival went up alongside at the 300m and was there at the 200m still, he dug deep and regained the lead at the 100m going on to win by a long neck. He only had to run a sedate 1:23.63 to record his third win in a dozen starts and has now won three times at G2, with two of those coming against his own age. Saracino won a G2 at WFA versus the older horses in New Zealand at the start of the season then won a G2 3yo at Flemington in Australia and now this G2 3yo back in New Zealand. The speedster can swim if need be too and has a pair of G1 thirds in his record, with one as a juvenile and the other at WFA versus all comers. Top Prospect ran home strongly from the back for second in his first show of form this year while Cut Me Loose found the line well for third between runners. Ferrando, usually a leader, raced handy the outer and strode up to challenge at the 300m and was right there at the 200m but got fought off by the winner and then lost second money the final 10m. He may be just a sprinter at this stage. Mystery Show sat handy the inner and got off at the right time so had every possible hope. What Choux Want was noticed running on okay from the back as the second outsider in the field and should win once back in the South Island. Kingsman had a hard run wide working and just needs a barrier draw to salute again while Babe and Secret Stash were just fair. Sassy’N’Smart was disappointing and Swissta was poor but for him it may be a directional thing at this stage. This field lacked genuine depth and the best horse won plus never had to run decent time so his winning margin of a long neck is actually not an improvement ratings wise at all. Saracino would gap this lot if anywhere near reached peaks already but it was a soft win in as far as energy and effort expended. It will be more accurately able to judge just how well he is going next time seen out if against deeper opposition.