Gary Grylls was being compared to gifted former rider Chris Johnson after the New Zealand Cup.
Johnson, hailed as one of the most naturally gifted riders New Zealand had seen, retired a few years ago because of increasing weight.
He won three New Zealand Cups, including two for Waikato trainer Royce Dowlingwith Mercator in 1992 and Double Take two years later.
On Saturday, Dowling took his cup tally to three when Soldier Blue triumphed at Riccarton in the hands of Grylls.
Soldier Blue started from barrier 17 in the 18-horse field but Dowling said there was no need to issue Grylls with instructions.
"I just left it to Gryllsy, just like I did with Chris Johnson," Dowling said.
"He could work it out himself."
There is about an 800m run before the first bend in 3200m races at Riccarton and Grylls let Soldier Blue slide across towards the lead.
With a round to go Soldier Blue was outside the leader Emayr. Ironically, Emayr drew the very outside and went on to run second.
Dowling said he would not have been surprised had Grylls pressed for the lead.
"He can lead if he wants to."
Grylls, 39, has long been one of the more successful riders in New Zealand.
Last January the Te Awamutu horseman became the 15th rider to win 1000 races in New Zealand.
His father John was also a top rider.
The cup success completed a grand meeting for Grylls.
On the first day of the Canterbury Jockey Club's fixture, he rode outsider Final Destination to win the group one $130,000 One Thousand Guineas (1600m) for three-year-olds fillies.
