Progressive mare Mai Tai added another feather to her cap when she picked up her first victory at stakes level with a win in the Anzac Mile (1600m) at Awapuni yesterday.
Sent out a warm favourite ($2.60) for the race, punters never had a moment of concern courtesy of a picture-perfect ride by Sam Collett.
Collett made full use of an inside barrier to settle Mai Tai in behind a solid pace set up by eventual runner-up Quiz Kid. Collett made her move to loom into contention at the point of the home bend, angling into the centre of the track in search of better footing.
Quiz Kid fought hard in the straight, but Mai Tai always looked to have his measure, gaining the upper hand in the final 100m and moving clear for a decisive half-length victory, with Cambridge visitor Pierina flashing home late for third.
Trainer Jamie Richards watched the race from Auckland after celebrating his father Paul's 60th birthday overnight and was delighted with the performance.