Southland breeder Allan Graham's excellent run of success continued when Nomen Ludi produced a tough win at Wingatui yesterday.
The Ellis Winsloe-trained galloper produced an effort his half-brother, Tai Ho, would be proud of when winning in open handicap company over 2200m.
Rider Terry Moseley had the 5yr-old on the speed throughout and Nomen Ludi fought hard in the straight to hold out placegetters Smiling Assassin and The Gordonian.
Winsloe said considering his horse's breeding, it was no surprise Nomen Ludi produced such a gritty win.
"He is a three-quarter brother to a Great Western winner. Allan has put plenty into the game and it is great to see."
Graham bred Tai Ho, whom Winsloe produced to win the Great Western Steeplechase at Riverton last weekend.
Tai Ho and Nomen Ludi are out of Gladiator's Choice, who won seven races from Winsloe's stable.
Both horses are highly likely to be seen in action at the Grand National carnival at Riccarton in August.
Winsloe is considering a North Island campaign for Tai Ho.
"I have got Hastings in mind and maybe come back to Trentham before the National.
A lack of steeplechases and jumps riders means Tai Ho could miss vital lead-up races to the Grand National Steeplechase if he stays in the South Island.
The 8yr-old will be out to go one better than his second to Shamal last year.
Kiwi Ida signed off her season in style when winning yesterday's open handicap over 1400m.
The John and Karen Parsons-trained 4yr-old produced her fifth win of this term courtesy of a patient ride by apprentice Rahul Beeharry.
Kiwi Ida swept down the outside of the track to run down placegetters Nowhere Man and Moyrabella.
Loyal folllowers of Brian and Shane Anderton's stable were rewarded when Dante Fire won race 5 yesterday.
The well-bred daughter of Raise The Flag and Inferno scored at unusually long odds for an Anderton runner at Wingatui with her $26 win price.
The 4yr-old seemed to relish yesterday's slow track conditions and 2200m distance when bursting between runners to win in rating 65 company.
The Anderton stable gave classy jumper Jackfrost another flat run at Wingauti yesterday before the start of his jumping season.
Jackfrost will leave for an Victorian steeplechasing campaign in the coming weeks.
Although it was not originally planned, Jackfrost could have a jumping start in New Zealand before leaving for Australia.
