This Listed event should prove to be so far this season the best source of future 3yo Group performers and in fact a likely wonder guide from this point onwards. Too much proven juvenile power from last season including both the G1 winners were on display along with some serious rising talent. This 1200m event was run and won in 1:12.05 and significantly the Open Handicap run straight after this clocked 1:12.74 or almost five lengths inferior. The winner was a long striding gelding The Justice League and he could be anything on his brave display after being five-wide in the lead at one stage before getting one-off outside the pace across the top. The fact the Nigel Tiley trained and Michael Coleman ridden runner fought of all his rivals the run home to win was stupendous even if a narrow margin. The runner up and a tad unlucky was Selfie that came from back on the inner to burst through half way up the run home but was involved in some bumping and buffeting. It was his third runner up placing at Listed level. Third home and fighting gamely after trailing the leader was Rocanto and he too copped some strife half way up the home straight. The colt last season was dual G1 placed. Fourth home and a colossal improver was Dal Cielo that won at G1 last season. He sat handy then moved up on the home turn and while seeming to hit a flat spot then got into his stride and closed well late to be beaten just over three-quarters of a lengths. Amarula ran on well late down the outer after getting back due to an awkward start. The other G1 winner last season Marky Mark was a tad average the closing stages but this is not his main target so expect a big improver next time out and then most likely after that will be at G1 again. He got back last then came through one-off at the 250m only to have to be angled back to the fence 100m later then simply did not ping thereafter. Billy Mojo showed pace then copped a check once headed in the run home but was battling at the time. He will win against a lesser line up this preparation for sure. Stella Di Paco ran last and was outclassed as the only filly in the field. The second last finisher was another with a massive reputation in the field namely Xtravagant and he actually ended up catching the eye late after doing so much wrong. He hung badly across the top and dropped out a clear last before the home turn with the colt looking like something had gone physically awry but remarkably got going the final 100m. The colt back to a left-handed venue warrants another chance as he could be a G1 mile winner this spring and/or a G1 Derby winner in the autumn. Certainly going clockwise looks a risk without eyewear and headgear added and most likely while his under carriage remains intact. The first four home in this were covered by less than a length and at least two others further back are serious 3yo players too this season in Marky Mark and Xtravagant. The best race in New Zealand all day and certainly the most significant for being a real glimpse into the 3yo landscape regards Group and Listed level.