The biggest talking point was how dreadful the Riccarton track looked and raced with dust and dirt and sand flying in the air. The wind had dried this track out to an utter dustbowl and it started at a supposed Good3 before being upgraded to a Good2 but it was crunchy hard from the outset so the form from this entire raceday is dubious. Times were quick as the wind does push runners over the line faster than normal but a lot of runners are sure to have pulled up as dusty post race as the track was from the outset. Watering is a waste of time and money as with hot constant winds any water added is gone in half an hour never to be seen again and have zero effect. The Listed 1400m Open Handicap was won well by Maybe Miami under 58.5kg and he scored by three-quarters of a length in 1:21.92. This 5yo gelding had run a brave blinder prior at G2 under WFA so down in grade and half a kilo back in the South Island looked a massive chance. The fact he did not start favourite was staggering in itself but he was today winning his seventh race from twenty-one starts so has a good strike rate. This once thought of wet tracker (he has won on bogs albeit the chute at Riccarton so that is always a total misleader) but is now what is classified as versatile. Today incredibly was his first ever blacktype win, as he had never even placed at Listed or Group level (fourth at G2 and G3 and unplaced at G2). Maybe Miami was too good and no excuses for the rest as he sat wide handy early before getting in third the outer across the top then strode up to lead at the 300m only for the rider to drop her whip inside the final 200m. It made no difference as he was never in doubt the closing stages. Batman under 60kg was a game second after sitting second the outer while Court Order fresh up fought well for third from a handy sit the inner. Kinagat was an unusual run whatever way you slice and dice it for fourth after getting buried back on the inner then running home well too late. El Chico was running on as the 12yo more often than not always does while Fastfoot was okay too after a tardy early then back and wide on settling. Another Coup ran on late after being slow and in the rear duo while Pepper Mill never got into the race after an awkward start for what is usually an on pacer. Super Trouper led and was run over and 1400m is beyond the mare at the best of times. Opihi Ranger was outclassed being a three-win gelding. The first four home will always be threats in the South Island while the third finisher Court Order has a big campaign ahead being just a four-win gelding. Kinagat never pinged off the hard track and looked like he was stepping on hot coals the final 200m but kept coming gamely so as long as he is okay afterwards will be a win chance when next seen out.