Racing: 'Goon' wins for James

New Zealand trainer Roger James was left bewildered after his "goon" Firebolt led all the way for a commanding victory at Doomben yesterday.

Firebolt, wearing a nose roll for the first time, surprised James with his 2 length win over Guderian in the Guvera Handicap (1630m).

"He's been a bit of a goon so I put the nose roll on him."

Firebolt was perfectly rated in front by Melbourne jockey Danny Nikolic.

James has been a regular visitor to Brisbane for the winter carnival and rarely leaves without a win.

However, James was reluctant to reveal his winter plans for the son of Stravinsky.

Trainer Tony Noonan declared the best was yet to come from Kutchinsky following his narrow win in the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes.

Kutchinsky looked gone for all money at the top of the straight but rallied strongly over the final stages to edge out the gallant New Zealander The Hombre by a short neck. The Bart Cummings-trained Landlord was a long neck away third.

Noonan is now looking for his first Group One north of the Tweed Heads border in the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in two weeks.

New Zealand trainer John Bary was happy with The Hombre who is still learning.

Sydney's darling Hot Danish was a convincing winner in the Group One Doomben 10,000.

She exploded in the home straight to score by 1 lengths from Whobegotyou with Melito a short neck away.