David Butcher was calm and relaxed before the running of the $50,000 Southern Supremacy Stakes at Invercargill yesterday, despite the difficult draw outstanding 3-year-old Changeover had to overcome to win.
The Cambridge-based driver effortlessly worked the smooth-striding colt away from the pylons during the early stages of the2700m event and the $1.20 win favourite was never in danger of defeat.
Changeover sprinted forward three wide to challenge the leader with 600m remaining before powering clear of the opposition in the home stretch to win by 2 3/4 lengths over a gallant Days Of Courage.
A further five lengths away third was Jackson Street.
New Zealand's leading 3-year-old pacer was a class above the opposition and won with plenty in hand.
The 2700m was cut out in 3.20.1 (mile rate 1.59.2) with the closing 800m covered in 57.2s.
Arch-rival Gotta Go Cullen was also in dominating form about 17 hours earlier when posting a powerful front running victory in the (Group One) New South Wales Derby at Harold Park.
It was a pleasing victory for regular driver Todd Mitchell who bypassed strong drives at Alexandra Park to handle the 3-year-old in Sydney.
"It was a tough call to make because I had to commit to driving Gotta Go Cullen before the barrier draw came out in the New South Wales Derby," said Mitchell.
"It meant taking a gamble and possibly losing the drive on some nice horses at Auckland but thankfully all the trainers were supportive about my decision.
"When we drew barrier three in the Derby, I knew we'd be hard to beat and he was just cruising along in front. He's a funny horse to drive because sometimes he's not as sharp as he should be, but he was spot on for the Derby."
