This Listed Open Class 1200m was run at a furious rate and saw a return home from Australia runner in Start Wondering prove far superior at the line. Star Wondering was the modicum of some serious backing and almost halved its quote when trailing to the home turn then working one-off at the 300m and surging. The 6yo gelding carrying 56.5kg led at the 200m and powered away to win by almost three lengths in 1:09.78. It was his eighth win in fourteen starts and today was his first ever attempt at Open Class and blacktype, so he showed that holds zero fears in New Zealand. He has tactical speed and has won both directions and on all types of footing so only health issues can derail what seem easy pickings now back in New Zealand as a sprinter and possibly miler. Ryan Mark was a gutsy second under 60kg after being handy wide and working throughout and does seem to like doing overtime in his races. Triaction was fantastic late run for third from back and wide and is a lightly tried mare now with a Listed third on her resume so has it all ahead this season. Her form and record to date all point to reaching higher honours as a 5yo mare. Natuzzi ran on well too from the back and the 8yo is still a sprinting force in New Zealand under any conditions (WFA or Handicap). Close Up battled on okay considering he is best clockwise. Volks Lightning was okay too and is close to another win but when back to her proper grade as she is just a one-win mare. Southern Icon worked hard for the lead then and then ran them along too so was always going to feel the strain fresh up and did. The rest were fair and not beaten out of sight. All in all a reasonable strength race and lots of form to come out from it albeit in different grades from sprints to miles and from fillies and mares class to handicap and WFA for all comers. Start Wondering can be a player now in the major Sprints over Summer and that may well apply at both WFA and Handicap level with the depth being very dubious at the moment. Ryan Mark is certainly on target to defend his G1 Railway Stakes (1200m) crown on New Years Day. Triaction can be a force in races for her own sex this Summer and Autumn.