Race 1: Positive Signs + Print, rating 75, $14,000,1600m

Gabby Diaz justified her favouritism with a runaway win. The Mongolian Khan mare trained at Riverton by Rebecca Bevin for Clearview Park Ltd, Timaru, settled fourth, challenged three wide entering the straight at the 400m and cleared  out to win by five and a quarter lengths.

Photo: Gabby Diaz with her Riverton trainer Rebecca Bevin.

Race 2: Nellies Bar and Restaurant, rating 65, $14000, 2200m

Thistle made  it a one-horse race.  Tanya Jonker  soon had Thistle in the lead and she drew away over the closing stages to win by 12 ¾ lengths.  The Rip Van Winkle – Dementieva mare is  owned and trained at Ashburton by Matt and Sarah Smith.

Photo: Thistle with  owner-trainers Matt and Mandy Smith jockey Tanya Jonker and family friend Murray McBride (right) after her win.

Race 3:  Crombie Lockwood Insurance Maiden, $14,000, 1200m

In Disguise rewarded the rehabilitating work done by her Riverton owner and trainer Kelly Shearing with a four and quarter length win. She completed back to back wins for jockey Tanya Jonker.  “She (In Disguise) strained both her suspensory ligaments in her previous race (November, 2022). She has had a lot of slow work in her rehabilitation,” said Shearing. In Disguise was having her second start for Shearing, who bought the Highly Recommended mare for $500 on Facebook. “ The thing I really liked about her was her markings (white face),” said Shearing.  In Disguise was three wide close to the pace, led early in the run home and won by four and quarter lengths from Eye Spy, who ran on well from back in the field.

Photo: In Disguise with jockey Tanya Jonker, trainer, Kelly Shearing and Kaydence Ferguson after her win

Race 4 Dunedin City Motors, rating 65, $14,000, 1200m.

El Roseay broke  for  his first win since joining the Washdyke stable of Stephanie Faulkner. El Roseay is raced by Barry Avis, of Timaru with Matt Viasic and Rex Dawkins, of Auckland. Ridden by Gosen Jogoo,   the 5yr-old mare made the pace and  maintained a strong gallop to win by four and a quarter lengths.

Photo: El Roseay  out on her own at the finish.

Race 5: Rugby At The Races – Sunday 4th June Maiden, $14000, 1400m

Nayton Mitchell had a dream start to training thoroughbreds  when he won with Authority. Mitchell (22) began training three months ago and Authority was his first starter. The West Melton-based Mitchell has a background in training show jumpers and spent seven months In Ireland in that capacity. He has racing in his blood as a nephew of  the highly successful  New Zealand trainer Graeme Rogerson. “My grandfather Bruce Rogerson  is usually the  one I have gone to  for advice,” said Nayton. He races Authority with Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston and Charlotte Gray. Authority, who had seven minor placings in 12 starts, was previously trained  by Brian Court then changed hands for $5000  on gavelhouse.com on March 6. Authority missed the start today and settled last in  the nine-horse field. He was held up in the run home and charged home to win by a nose from Mininjagirl.

Photo:  Nayton Mitchell with Authority after his dream start to training.

Race 6: Property Brokers, rating 65, $14,000. 1400m

Budai was promoted from second to first after an inquiry.  Budai  was placed second by a head  from Stop Yelling by judge Brendon Burke. The margin was subsequently amended to a nose by the stipendiary stewards, who then heard a protest from the connections of Budai on the grounds of Stop Yelling shifting out in the final 100m. Stop Yelling  settled back then improved to lead at the 400m. Budai also took a wide berth from back in the field. The mare trained by Kelvin and Aimee Tyler had won  a maiden race at Wingatui at her previous start.

Photo: Budai (outer) and Stop Yelling in a close finish.