The Kevin Myers-trained 4yr-old began his racing career with a third in the 2011 Welcome Stakes, but his talent has taken him to Australia twice already in his brief 14-start career.
He was back at Riccarton yesterday and put paid to a field including Final Touch, Coup Ay Tee, Historian and Full Of Spirit with front-running tactics from jockey David Walker.
The son of Bachelor Duke was talented enough to run second to Flying Skipper in a listed 1800m race at Flemington last November.
Myers is not one to speak to the media, after an incident involving a Trackside presenter at Te Rapa in 2001, when he was charged with making comments that were detrimental to the interests of racing. However, stable representative Ken Harrison said the Australian form justified Myers' opinion of him.
''The bigger tracks obviously suit him, but he's a nice horse.''
Walker fired Scapolo to the lead shortly after the 1600m start point and he was never headed, despite a late bid from The Solitaire in the closing stages.
''That's what [Kevin] wanted David to do, and he rode him perfect.''
After a quiet first day of the carnival, the Myers machine jumped into action yesterday with three winners. Bill Breaker and Solas picked up wins early in the day.
The Solitaire's Wingatui trainer, Steven Anderton, was pleased with her effort in trying to chase down Scapolo, falling just over a length short.
''She's probably looking for 2000m now. She won the Dunedin Cup over 2400m,'' Anderton said.
Jockey Jamie Bullard gave the O'Reilly mare a dream run, Anderton said.''
She was about sixth or seventh all the way, just one off the fence.''
