The Smiler, having his second start, was well rated in front by Jessica Malcolm, a junior driver formerly with the Hunter stable.
Malcolm has just begun training and won with Babes Boy Bob at Invercargill last month, the first day she had horses to the races.
Babes Boy Bob ran on late for fifth in the race for junior drivers last Friday night.
Hunter has the drive on The Smiler at Winton on Friday when Babes Boy Bob is a rival.
Hunter and the Whatever syndicate, managed by Ken McConnell, of Mosgiel, have been associated for 14 years.
Their initial venture was the trotter Raffle Whiz, who won a race at Winton in 1997 after 14 minor placings.
Hunter has taken a half share in subsequent ventures, including Galleons Treasure, winner of seven races.
The son of Soky's Atom won twice at Forbury Park in 2002.
Rockie's Dream won two races for the partnership.
The Smiler was a $15,000 purchase at the premier yearling sale.
He is a 4yr-old by Grinfromeartoear from Kurahaupo Flyer, and thus a half-brother to Kurahaupo Diamond (1.53.4).
• Shades Of Success, George Skipper and Chas Luney are now in the stable of Graeme Rogerson after being claimed at the Auckland meeting last Friday.
The 11yr-old Shades Of Success won last Friday for Foxton trainer Peter Scaife, his second win in six starts since he was claimed at Forbury Park in July.
George Skipper won his previous start for Scaife.
George Skipper has won twice at Cambridge this year for the Rogerson stable.
A winner two starts back for the Derek Balle and Owen Gillies stable, Chas Luney has gained six of his 16 wins when trained by Rogerson and Steven Reid.
• Auditor General recorded his second trial win in as many weeks when he beat Lightning Raider at Addington on Monday.
The 5yr-old ran the 1950m (mobile) in 2.29.9, the last 800m in 57.3 and the final 400m in 27.1, in the hands of Robbie Holmes.
Hostile Grins, who has not raced since April, won a trial over 1950m (mobile), running the last 800m in 58.1, the final 400m in 28.1.
The Tim Butt-trained 5yr-old has recorded three wins and two placings from five starts.
