The Tony Pike-trained Tutukaka confirmed his staying prowess when powering home to land the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) on Wednesday under a patient Damian Lane ride.
The Tavistock gelding raced too fiercely when fifth in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) earlier in the month, and the decision by Pike to remove the blinkers and replace them with winkers and to ride the horse conservatively proved a masterstroke.
Tutukaka, who is named after the picturesque coastal town located east of Whangarei, will now head to the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week and is rated a $12 chance in a market headed by fellow Kiwi breds Forgot You ($3.50) and Gunstock ($4).
"He led up at a strong tempo with the blinkers and he was still a bit fresh last start. That run really brought him on," Lane said.