This Listed Open Handicap over 2400m saw an upset in Madam De Soir prevail by a length in 2:30.52 at 30-1. The 9yo mare raced seventh the inner and worked off across the top before striding up fifth near the home turn then reached third at the 200m before leading at the 100m. The winners and where they came from turning for home were eighth (seven-off the inside and three lengths from the leader), led (on the fence and length and a half in front), second (one-off the fence and half a length from the leader), seventh (six-off the inside and two and a half lengths from the leader), second (one-off the inside and a neck from the leader), fifth (four-off the inside and four lengths from the leader), fifth (two-off the inside and four lengths from the leader), fifth (one-off the inside and three lengths from the leader) and third (six-off the inside and four lengths from the leader). It was her first try at Blacktype and of her now eight wins all have come from 2000m to 2400m. She has won on all types of footing and was in reasonable form having won over 2500m at Riccarton four starts prior. Today was her sixty-sixth start. She never won her maiden until her thirteenth start in February of 2017 and considering she debuted in October of 2015 it showed she needed time. Second home was City Slicker that had run an absolute shocker prior and the 5yo mare was ridden differently today as she moved from ninth the outer to be fifth and deep at the 600m and kept coming to be second at the 100m. The rain-affected footing helped her cause and interestingly she has only won on Slow or Heavy footing. Orepuki Lad ran a game third after working to the lead and he fought hard once headed at the 100m to be beaten just over two lengths. Fourth home was Zareeba that trailed third the inner and then came off the inside and was second the outer before challenging Orepuki Lad from the 1000m as this pair set down to a stoush. They both in fact cost each other with Orepuki Lad the likely winner if not tested from such a long way out and Zareeba runs in the money if not attacking from so far out. Fifth home was Nopele that was very slow out and settled back on the inner before working off and sixth and wider turning for home. He ran on to get fifth and was beaten just under three and a half lengths. Sixth home was Asathought that settled well back the inner then got to the outer across the top and ran home well but miles too late. Next home was Dee And Gee that was wide before going up second the outer then settled down third and was in a gap when the front two went head-to-head a long way out. He wilted the run in and was beaten almost five lengths. Beached As Bro finished eighth beaten six lengths after racing tenth mostly and then going wide across the top. Who Dares Wins was next home after racing sixth the outer and being flat turning for home under 59kg. The rest got beaten a dozen lengths and as much as just under forty lengths plus Riviera Rock stood in the stalls at the start and took part. He must barrier trial in front of stewards before being allowed to race again. This was a test of stamina as two runners went head-to-head 1000m out and ended up running third and fourth respectively, so it is safe to assume they started their rumble a tad too far from home.