If the New Zealand Trotting Cup turns into a dogfight next Tuesday, there is little doubt Arden Rooney will be gnashing his teeth with the best of them.
The Victoria-based pacer turned up to South Bay Racecourse yesterday to defend his Kaikoura Cup crown, but looked shaky when he failed to settle.
But there is one attribute the Tapanui-bred pacer has over many of his rivals in this year's campaign - toughness.
Trainer-driver Kerryn Manning sent the 6yr-old forward quickly - much like she did from the 40m back mark in the Swan Hill Cup last month - and he was outside Mossdale Conner with 1600m to go.
From there, Manning poured on the pressure to better Mossdale Conner by the turn and hold off the late runs of Messini, who broke at the start, and Mighty Flying Mac.
''I wasn't sure if I held on but I was very pleased when he did. It was a very good feeling,'' Manning told TAB Trackside's Greg O'Connor after the race.
''He travelled really well down the back - probably a bit too well that far from home. He was a little tired turning for home but he just tries so hard.''
The 1.58.5 mile rate for the 2400m journey is ideal for Arden Rooney, and chasers such as Messini, going in to the New Zealand Cup next week.
''That run will do him the world of good and hopefully he can be a bit fitter for that one. If he goes as good as that, he'll be a good show.''
Stent reiterated his status as the country's best trotter with a win in national record time in the feature trot.
His trainer-driver, Colin De Filippi, made archrival Master Lavros work for the lead, relenting only with 1700m to go.
Stent then showed his trademark speed to zip up the passing lane, getting by Waterloo Sunset and Quite A Moment.
Master Lavros could manage only fourth as Stent clipped 0.4sec off the national 2400m trot record, set by Sheemon in the same race last year.
Alta Ronaldo scored an all-the-way win in the $50,000 Sales Series Aged Pace.
