Ric O'Shea was under a hold at the finish of 800m in 51.05, the last 600m in 38.40 on a heavy inside grass. He was close to the lead throughout and won by half a length from Natuzzi.
Trainer Steven Prince said he was viewing a 1400m race at Riccarton on October 6 for Ric O'Shea, who has not raced since March. Ric O'Shea has been back in work two and a-half months.
Trainer Paul Richards has no plans for Natuzzi, who has not raced since he won the Southland Guineas in February.
Natuzzi has been back in work for three months.
Ric O'Shea and Natuzzi have both been entered for the $230,000 Coupland's Mile at Riccarton in November. Ric O'Shea is at $41 and Natuzzi at $31 in futures betting with the TAB.
Silent Achiever is favourite at $7.
Sacred Falls and Irish Rebel share favouritism at $8 for the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas. Spiro and Marea Alta share favouritism at $8 for the New Zealand Cup.
Sacred Falls, who won his two races late last season at Ruakaka and Te Rapa, is due to resume in the $50,000 Challenge Stakes at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Antonio Lombardo, winner of the Challenge Stakes fresh up last year, is resuming in the open 1200m. He won a trial at Avondale on September 4.
Waterford, Pure Elegance, Rollout The Carpet and Oasis Rose share favouritism at $12 for the New Zealand One Thousand Guineas.
News Flash won a 1000m heat decisively yesterday after disputing the pace. He has come back stronger after winning a maiden race from six starts as a 3yr-old last season.
Results. Inside grass, heavy (11).
Maiden, 800m (first heat): Seasoned Star-Bonnie Jay 3g D Prastiyou 1; Elegant Crossing 2; Alotta Mojo 3. Five started. 2L, 3 1/2l.
Time, 51.28. Trainer, P Richards.
Second heat: Lucille S Moir 1; Ri'gah Brook 2; Madam Dusautoir 3. Five started.
Nk, 10L. Time, 52.70. Trainer, S Anderton.
Third heat: Dubai Bear T Jonker 1; Drumreims 2; My Halo-Danareason 4g 3.
Four started. 1/2L, hd. Time, 52.02. Trainer, T Kennedy.
Open, 800m: Ric O'Shea S Muniandy 1; Natuzzi 2; Ginty's Choice 3. Five started.
1/2L, 2L. Time, 51.05. Trainer, S Prince.
Maiden, 3yo, 1000m: Gallant Guru-Enzed c C Barnes 1; Kings Road 2; Swelter 3. Three started. 2 1/2L, 9L. Time, 1.10.8. Trainers, B and S Anderton.
Maiden, 1000m: Frank Christie D Prastiyou 1; Little Faith 2; Alexstonysoprano 3.
Four started. Nk, 1/2L. Time, 1.08.5. Trainers, G Anderson and A Hoffman.
Open, 1000m: News Flash T Direen 1; Gold Leaf 2; Powder Creek 3. Four started. 2L, 1 1/2L. Time, 1.07.44. Trainers, B and S Anderton.
• Mufhasa was last night named Horse of the Year at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 2012 Horse of the Year Awards in HamiltonThe 8yr-old and a winner of over $3 million gained 37 of a possible 43 votes.
Other title awards: Mufhasa, sprinter; Jimmy Choux, middle distance; Shez Sinsational, stayer; Warhorse, 2yr-old; Silent Achiever, 3yr-old; Planet Rock, 3yof; Ima Heroine, jumper; retired trainer, Trevor McKee ONZM, received the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing.James McDonald, jockey; John Sargent, trainer; Richard Cully, jumps jockey; Jason Collett, apprentice.The Oaks Stud, owner of Artistic, Zurella, Owner of the Year; Piper Farm Ltd (Alex and Cecile Smith), breeders of So You Think, Breeder of the Year; Triassic, dam of So You Think, Broodmare of the Year.
