Franco Nelson's first 2600m in last week's Maurice Holmes Vase was good, but it was his effort after the line which impressed his driver.
The 7-year-old finished third behind Locharburn and Tiger Tara in the Vase, which tracks as great form for tomorrow's $25,000 Hannon Memorial in Oamaru.
Franco Nelson found a gap up the markers, and chased down the two leaders to within three lengths by the time he reached the finishing post at Addington. However, the injury-plagued pacer was actually past the two leaders 200m after the line, which surprised and pleased driver and unofficial trainer John Dunn.
"He hadn't done that for a long time," Dunn said.
"He normally hits the line and pulls up, so to speak, so it was the best he's hit the line for a long time.