This Listed event over 1400m was fast run and saw a smart 3yo in Vespa prove too good over a pair of 4yo mares with scope themselves too. The first three home all carried the minimum of 53kg and the time run of 1:21.25 is significantly factored in too as all raced in the first half dozen throughout. Vespa was winning his seventh race from twelve outings today with the promise of many more to come. His connections are looking at the G1 Easter Handicap (1600m) in three weeks at Ellerslie where he has raced three times for two wins (once at G1 and once at Listed level) and a placing. The colt by Elusive City had a good run fifth or sixth the outer and when detonated at the 250m quickly set out after the leader and eventual runner up Angelica Hall. He strode past her just inside the final 100m to win going away by a length and a half. Angelica Hall was super for second as just a two win mare that led and ran them along smartly so she has upside galore. Miss Foxwood was fifth or sixth the inner (eventual winner outside her) and found the line well late for third, which is now the second blacktype placing for the three-win mare after a G3 third to Bounding in October of 2013. Marotiri Miss ran on well late for fourth after sitting seventh until the home turn while Cosmic Cube fought on for fifth under 57kg after looking likely to be third until the closing stages. McLaren did well considering he began poorly and the topweight Mighty Solomon got going too late after settling in the rear trio due to an awkward start. He found carrying 59kg too much in this solid a run race but was not disgraced. Tie Me Down was disappointing but was used early and that is not her scene. Trepidation was very poor after a tardy start and did not beat a runner home. She had finished fourth then third in the two main G1 sprints over summer so has the closing power when in the zone. Vespa if he can manage a mile or even 2000m against the older horses will be in for a big season as a 4yo if kept to New Zealand though the trainer and connections may still have some unfinished business in Australia yet.