Kolding followed his game narrow win in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) at this track a fortnight ago with a very good win, advancing to Group 1 level here. He began well and after having a nice trip in third place he moved up to the leader (Dreamforce) nearing the home turn. He went to the front at the 300m and then lifted gamely when challenged under his light weight (50.5kg) to score a very good win, his seventh win from 14 starts. The co-favourite Te Akau Shark settled midfield and deep from his wide barrier (15) before improving (deep) from the 600m. He then commenced a strong run on straightening and kept running on well for (short head) second after conceding 4kg to the winner. Star Of The Seas raced in fourth place, moved up well on turning for home and kept fighting well to finish a good third. Gem Song had a nice run in seventh place on the rails. He got along the inner on straightening and then held on nicely for (3.5 lengths) fourth. Rock settled towards the tail of the 19-horse field, was 16th at the home turn and the kept finishing on well in the straight for (4.1 lengths), staging a good performance.