This was a solidly run G2 at WFA for fillies and mares with the winning time a sound 2:01.96 so nothing had anywhere to hide if stamina deficient. The two unluckiest gallopers in New Zealand this season ended up forming the quinella in Abidewithme and Lauren Tate. Abidewithme has been a victim all season and deserved the G2 win although she should be a G1 winner by now. She was ridden cold and then came over the top of them with a crunching finish to score narrowly. Since the riding change from Matthew Cameron was made to Michael McNab the results speak for themselves with a G1 third and now a G2 win. Lauren Tate too should have a G1 winner or at least had two placings at the highest level but she too has been stymied by track bias and rider choices in running this campaign. The mare looked the winner when hitting the lead at the 100m only to be buried late. She was defending her title having won this event last year. Decorah was a brave third after going forward early while Atacama ran a sound fourth from the midfield. Celebrity Miss surprisingly fought on the inner for fifth while Girl Of My Dreams the pacemaker wilted to sixth but she kept the field honest. Emerald Queen ran on late and not much has gone her way this year. No disgrace at the line for the trio of Classcoroc, Flying Orca and in particular the handicap staying mare El Pistola. The latter may well end up in an Australian stable as a genuine stayer that can swim as the earning range is more worthwhile for her ilk. Pondarosa Miss had a nightmare wide trip throughout and will sleep well. Good things come to horses that wait or in this case have less bad luck regarding jockey choices, track bias and traffic. Abidewithme like Lauren Tate should have a G1 win on their records already. It was fitting G2 win too for trainer Jason Bridgman, who after nearly five years at the helm of Team Te Akau as head preparer is stepping down for some family time but will not be lost to thoroughbred horse racing. Do not be surprised if he turns up in Singapore at a future date as once bitten by the thoroughbred bug it never goes away!