Australian visitor Zavite, trained by Anthony Cummings in Sydney, has won the $1 million Auckland Cup at Ellerslie racecourse in Auckland today.
Zavite settled midfield for Damien Oliver before hitting the front on the turn clearly outstaying Booming ($8.10) and outsider Tin Goose.
The Australian horse paid $4.70 and $2.10.
Oliver said after the race that the horse had plenty of good chances to break away from a very tight pack.
He said there was no use in trying "anything pretty" despite Grand Affair having the lion's share of the lead over the 3200m course, knowing Zavite would have the muscle necessary to win from midfield.
Cummings, son of legendary Australian trainer Bart, told TV cameras after the race that he'd enjoy a celebratory drink - even if it had to be a Kiwi drop.
Zavite was a clear pre-race favourite and broke clear down the home straight to post a convincing win by two lengths in a time of 3.18.06.
It was Zavite's third run at the 3200m distance and she had form at the distance with a win in last year's Adelaide Cup. Last week, she dominated rivals at the Moonee Valley Night Cup.
- NZ HERALD ONLINE
