Race favourite Maid Of Steel justified her strong support when she led all the way to capture the Coastwood Homes Lockwood Thames Cup (2000m).

A heady front running ride and some good old-fashioned grit and determination saw nuggety grey mare Maid Of Steel cap off some consistent form with an upset victory at Pukekohe.

New Zealand’s best performed maiden is in Australia with a plan to open his winning account at the highest level.