Group one hope Amarula showed his mean streak at Ruakaka where he turned in a valiant effort to successfully carry his topweight to another victory.
The hardy 4-year-old produced a dogged performance under 60kg to win his ninth race in the Waipu Cup.
Amarula was caught wide early before hetook control in front and he then denied the favourite Spider, who was in receipt of 6kg, after a battle the length of the run home.
"He doesn't make it easy on himself but just keeps doing enough," trainer and part-owner Peter McKay said.
"He's like that in his gallops too, he likes to get his nose in front."
Amarula, who has a Hawke's Bay Guineas success to his credit, had also won his previous start at Te Rapa under 60kg.
"He enjoys his racing and he'll come back here in a couple of weeks when we'll step him up to 2100m," McKay said.
Amarula will be tried for stamina with a view to confirming a tilt at the group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings where he will also target the group 1 Windsor Park Plate over 1600m.
"I think he'll go over more ground and I'm looking forward to riding him in the group races next season," said McKay's son Shaun, Amarula's regular rider.
"He's a really tough horse and once he gets to the front he doesn't let them go past him."
