Soriano was the class act in the G3 fillies and mares only event with only the 1400m being a legitimate query. She was coming back from a last start mile win so dropping back 200m was a genuine concern plus until today she had only won once at that trip. It made no difference and the cut in the ground just enhanced her chances as she buried them to win easily in 1:23.65 to record her ninth win in forty-eight starts. Soriano is in foal so only has a few more starts left before becoming a mum. Queen’s Rose ran on well to grab second on the line down the outer too from Kelly O’Reilly, the winner of this last year and she too is in foal. Ultraviolet was the real eyecatcher after beginning awkwardly then being hampered to settle last. Her rider cut the corner near and on the home turn and at this stage of the day those inner lanes were more of a negative, so her effort to get fourth was even more noteworthy. Procurement fought well after being wide throughout while Flavigny ran home well late after being in the rear trio for most of the race. Kisses worked a bit hard throughout and wilted but will keep as she likes more trustable footing. Arrow In The Sand did okay late and should have a good summer. The biggest flop was Charmont, a 4yo mare in for a big season but she never fired today though has earned another chance on her past record. Soriano is a dual G1 winner so should be able to put her same sex rivals away when in form. Lots of form to come out of this race and all the stronger fillies and mares races as this is the real depth of New Zealand racing each and every season. It is the constant source and provider among an inconstant ebb and flow of male topliners that do not really race often enough at home with greater lures and prestige always on offer overseas if good enough.