The Listed Open Handicap over 2200m was run at a strong clip and saw Jimmy Mac win much to the utter amazement of his trainer. Jimmy Mac if he can win the G2 Wellington Cup (3200m) in two weeks will win a 250K bonus so today was not imperative but Trentham in a fortnight most certainly is. He carried 58.5kg today to win by a nose and already has 57.5kg in the Wellington Cup plus he was given 4 points in the NZ system for his win today. His prior win in the G3 NZ Cup (3200m) saw him rise 7 points and 4.5kg for Trentham so the next few days should see the wash up of this win. He may still end up topweight in the race if a couple ahead are withdrawn forcing weights to rise so nervous times lie ahead. It was his eighth win in twenty-eight starts today and this season alone he has had six runs for five wins (one G3 and one Listed) and a third (Listed) so this now 7yo has suddenly found everything easier. His usual pattern is on pacer or not far away but today was immediately snagged back to the rear trio from a bad draw as a gutbuster was not wanted before his first of two main missions this summer and early autumn. Jimmy Mac seemed to tow his rider Lisa Allpress through gaps and what looked like slamming doors ahead suddenly opened up with the gelding going from third last to seventh turning for home. Once through into fourth at the 200m he started to surge and despite hands and heels only late by the rider Jimmy Mac got up. The winning time was 2:15.27. Whether this win and just under 32K stake costs Jimmy Mac and connections a 250K bonus will be found out in two weeks. The runner up China Star is vastly improved of late too and after sitting second the outer led at the 300m only to be caught on the post. The 5yo mare had won three of her previous five outings and the on pacer for her second today went up 7 points in the NZ system. Pentathlon ran a sound third after sitting sixth or seventh the inner and then getting off and into third at the 300m. He was beaten just two noses and went up 2 points in the NZ system. This 4yo will meet Jimmy Mac again at Trentham in two weeks and remember today he got 4.5kg from Jimmy Mac. He has a weight of 53kg so with Jimmy Mac at 57.5kg the 4.5kg is the same at the moment. Sampson ran on well for fourth after losing a good spot across the top and is most effective when applying some heat a long way out so expect a different approach at Trentham in two weeks. Antonio was brave after being wide the while the whole way seventh then going up fourth deep across the top. Guess What led and wilted while Annie Star boxed on and could do with some rain. Madonna Mia could not quicken with 59.5kg on her back. The rest either plugged away or had no real finish on them with the South Islander in Wild Bill after sitting fourth dropping away before the home turn outclassed seemingly. This solidly run race should be a reasonable guide to the Wellington Cup in two weeks with three of the first four home (Jimmy Mac, Pentathlon and Sampson) all viable hopes and even the rugged fifth finisher Antonio is not out of the frame. Should Jimmy Mac win the G2 Wellington Cup (3200m) then the 250K bonus is in the bank but that could become a million dollars if he could win the G1 Auckland Cup (3200m) three weeks later. Some sleepless nights ahead for connections (trainer is a part owner) looks assured.