New Zealand's run of outs at the Sydney autumn carnival continued on Saturday but the connections of talented galloper Mali Ston left Randwick feeling the tide could be about to turn.
The Matamata 4-year-old had no luck in his A$130,000 Australian debut, yet flew home late for sixth on a track that didn't suit, thrilling jockey Sam Weatherley, whose father Darryn trains Mali Ston.
"Nothing went right but he charged home late," said Weatherley.
"We got back on the inside, got slammed into the fence at the 800m, and then when I got going on him, his wheels just started to spin in the wet.
"He really didn't handle it that well, but his last 100m was very strong, and 100m after the line, he was nearly in front. We think he has shown enough to suggest we don't need to be scared of many of the horses he is going to be racing next," said Weatherley.