Dependable winter galloper Taurus wasn't bogged down by weight of expectation at Otaki where he confirmed a trip north with another winning strike.
Opposed by only four rivals in the Hunting & Fishing Handicap, he returned another no-nonsense performance for the ninth win.
Trainers Evan and JJ Rayner and rider Jonathan Riddell had been in a confident pre-race mood and Taurus didn't let them down.
"He'll go to Ellerslie next for a 1400 metre handicap," Evan Rayner said. "I don't think he'll make the Makfi field and, even if he did, if the track was firm we'd be out of it anyway."
Taurus was in front at the top of the straight at Otaki and he drew out for a comfortable two-length victory.
