Riccarton galloper Albut Me all but sealed a start in next weekend's group 3 Winter Cup when he won at Timaru yesterday.
The Kevin and Pam Hughes-trained 4yr-old continued his brilliant winter form when scoring in rating 72 company over 1600m.
Albut Me was ranked 20th on the order of entry for the Winter Cup. He should receive enough rating points to safely qualify for the $100,000 feature.
Albut Me held off a strong finish from the revitalised Irish Express to win by a neck for rider Sanu Toolooa.
Toolooa contributed to apprentice riders wining every race on the 10-race card. Four of them were won by Tanya Jonker.
Riverton trainers Kelvin and Aimee Tyler's week took an upward turn when they scored two wins.
The Tylers produced Molly Polly to win in maiden company over 1600m and Karm 'N' Easy for a rating 82 win over 2200m.
The trainers were forced to scratch all of their three runners from Tuesday's Oamaru Cup meeting at Ashburton after the meeting was rescheduled.
Patience paid off for Wingatui trainers Brian and Shane Anderton when Itemize cleared maiden ranks.
The 6yr-old had placed 13 times in 25 starts before scoring by a length in his 2200m race yesterday.
The Gallant Guru gelding's win helped apprentice rider Corey Campbell end his season on 39 wins.
