The 2yr-old Mach Three-Cartier colt was a $16,000 purchase at the 2012 yearling sales, and he is slowly but surely earning that back for trainer Kirk Larsen and his co-owners - mostly farmers from Seaward Downs, near Edendale.
The track, despite being rated as slushy, did not trip up too many horses, although it was a factor Larsen was concerned about before the race.
''He was a wee bit rough early, but he can do that anyway. But he keeps coming - he's got a wee bit of bottom about him,'' Larsen said.
With Uncle Ben's potential in mind, Larsen is looking ahead to Addington next month for the $225,000 Sales Series final and possibly a crack at the $180,000 Sires' Stakes final.
''He would have been in the consolation of the Sires Stakes, but he may go into the final with winning a race now.''
Larsen liked Uncle Ben's breeding, as his dam Cartier is a half-sister to 1996 Chariots Of Fire winner Beefy T.
''He's a nice wee horse, really.''
Better To Be Bad warmed up for the group 3 $50,000 Rangiora Classic on Sunday in fine style, winning the feature pace by three lengths.
The daughter of Badlands Hanover was largely untroubled in the 2700m pace after driver Brent Barclay got her into a nice spot following Cherokee Charlie.
Ashton continues to keep her fit with racing, although the 13 days between her second in the 4 and 5yr-old championship on April 11 and yesterday's win had left her a bit fresh, he said.
''She's only had one run since the other day,'' Ashton said.
Ashton knows his mare is up against some class runners such as Fly Like An Eagle and Elusive Chick on Sunday.
''I just want a good run - but she's beaten Franco Ledger and Smiling Star,'' he said.
''Let's see how she goes against the others.''
Winstone P was claimed by Andrew Sharpe, of Pukekohe, for $7500 following the claimers pace.
Highlights
TOP DRIVER
Jonny Cox - 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third.
TOP TRAINER
Robert Dunn and Robbie Holmes - 2 wins.
