An on pace dominated finish in the G2 3yo over 2100m saw a thrilling photo with half a length covering four runners at the line. The Australian bred Rangipo keeps winning in tight finishes and did it again today after getting a soft run just behind the pace then getting off near the home turn. Once he hits the front many can range up but find it damn hard to get ahead of him at the winning post. He was winning his sixth race from eleven outings and will start one of the favourites in the G1 NZ Derby (2400m) on March 5. Rangipo has tactical pace so can trump track bias but also being out of a Zabeel dam he should manage the extra 300m of the Derby trip. His neck win came in 2:11.42 and that is nothing flash but factor in the rail out 7m plus a gutbuster two weeks out from the Derby is ill-advised for any of the runners. Brighton powered home between runners from well back to grab second on the line and did well factoring in the winner and deadheaters for third all raced in or not too far from the lead throughout. Raghu, the stablemate of the winner, set the pace and got some attention midrace but repelled it and kicked the run home. He fought resolutely and even when headed narrowly at the 300m by the winner kept giving all the way to the line to share third money. Get That Jive also shared third after sitting sixth the outer but not far from the action then moving up wide turning for home. He sustained a stout finish and should relish the 2400m in a fortnight. The Hassler did well from worse than midfield on settling and will get the 2400m for sure as he seems to keep coming. He is by a Melbourne Cup winning sire out of a Zabeel dam. Provocative was a nice run as the filly found the rail out 7m unhelpful but she looks untapped and can pick them up quickly if a track is not biased. Predator was a tad disappointing so a stamina query on him. Dukedom was the runner asked too much of in the running and any rain around for the Derby he becomes a chance. He was wide for ages in this then sent up to attack midrace hard before keeping the leader company across the top to the home turn so had to weaken. As long as he has not been gutted by this overland effort the weather can make his day in two weeks. Son Of Maher was a bit one-batted and may lack the class of some of these but 2400m does even up things for all. Zacada is still doing things wrong but has the ability. Thunder Down Under the backrunner will stay all day so wants the leaders to gas each silly then will boom home. The stable laughing at the moment for the G1 NZ Derby in two weeks has to be the Tony Pike yard as they have three of the top chances in the on pacer males Rangipo and Raghu and the closing filly Provocative. All bases look covered from track bias to weather and race pace. Get That Jive looked a serious Derby player and can swim if need be from this traditional sound guide race as did The Hassler. Brighton has that stamina doubt for 2400m while Dukedom is the wet tracker that cause a surprise if the weather helps his cause.