The win came not long after A G's White Socks took out the Group 1 Easter Cup over two miles late last month, giving weight to Hope's long-held believe that the horse would be a star.
"I've always felt he was good enough to get to Cup class and that's the reason I wanted to keep him in the stable when we got a big offer for him last season."
The horse's original owner, and breeder, Cambridge's Pat Laboyrie, sold a majority share-holding to other Hope stable clients, retaining a quarter for himself and most of them were on course tonight.
"We owe Pat a lot, because we wouldn't have the horse in the stable if it wasn't for him.
"He actually wanted to sell his remaining share recently but I talked him out of it.
"He's glad I did now."
The Messenger Championship in seven days' time is next on the agenda and then a crack at the Harness Jewels at Cambridge on June 2.
Beyond that? The big dance.
"We'd love to have a decent old crack at the New Zealand Cup later this year and I think we can still take in the Jewels as well.
"Initially I wasn't that keen on going through until June because he would need a spell for a cup prep, but he's thriving at the moment.
"He's only had nine starts this season."
Perhaps the run of the race was the second place-getter, Eamon Maguire, who stormed home from last for second in the hands of new co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen.
Race favourite Star Galleria, who missed the start by a length and sat parked early on, found the line well for third ahead of Let It Ride, who faded late.
- NZ Harness News
