KEY POINTS:
The rap on Go Thenaki might be right after all.
The jumping career of the very smart sprinter/metric miler got off to a bumpy start with only one placing from three hurdle starts last year.
The veteran put that right when he scored a comprehensive maiden hurdle win at Ellerslie yesterday at his first jumping start this preparation, suggesting there is a lot more in store.
"He probably needed those three races last year, we probably had too big a rap on him too early," said rider Jonathan Riddell.
The win was a good start to the last day of riding permanently in New Zealand for Riddell, who is about to take up a riding contract in Melbourne with Eric Musgrove. His talent will be missed locally.
Another worth following is runner-up Climbing High, who was making his jumping debut.
He raced fiercely when at the back of the field early and Arron Tata took him around the field to lead by the 1400m.
Climbing High was clearly not handling the slow conditions on the inside in the final 400m, but he fought bravely for second.
"He knows what he's doing," said co-trainer Mark Weal.
The difficult part is finding a track good enough to suit Climbing High.
There was an eclectic feel about the early part of the programme when a couple of smart juvenile winners followed the maiden hurdle.
One, Abbey Way, could be a Derby horse.
Mark Walker has a big opinion of the Encosta De Largo youngster and physically there is a lot to like, even though he looks one further preparation away from his best.
He is owned by Peter and Philip Vela in partnership with Mark Wyborn and Trevor Farmer.
"Mark is the chairman of the club's property board and he's always wanted to have a Derby winner," said Auckland Racing Club chief executive Chris Weaver.
Walker will spell Abbey Way immediately.
"I think he's good, but he's immature. Peter [Vela] remembered his dam Forlorna from when Sheila Laxon trained her and thought this bloke was the ideal Derby type."
Mr Alfie fought well for a close second just ahead of Sudders.
Murano won the first of the juveniles, aided by Gavin McKeon cutting the corner on the home turn to move out to the better footing.
In a three-way finish, Triple Tipple narrowly took second from Dampierre.
