Belle Of Montana provided the highlight for the New Zealand contingent on a tough night at Melton on Saturday.
The New Zealanders were unable to make a big impact on one of Australia’s biggest race nights when King Of Swing
won the Hunter Cup and Tornado Valley won the Great Southern Star.
Favourite Chase Auckland ran third, but did not look like threatening King Of Swing in the Hunter Cup.
A G’s White Socks produced a huge finish and arguably the run of the race when scooting home late to take fourth.
Triple Eight was forced to sit parked throughout much of the race, which told on him and he faded out on the home turn.
Massive Metro did best of the four-strong New Zealand team in the Great Southern Star.
The northern trotter raced three back on the markers before running on in to third after struggling to find clear running in the straight.
Otago trotter Majestic Man produced an uncharacteristic performance when galloping late in the race and finished last.
Temporale was also a shock failure in the group 1 race.
Former Otago squaregaiter Oscar Bonavena loomed large on the turn, before fading in to fourth.
Belle Of Montana led throughout to win the group 1 Ladyship Cup for trainer Barry Purdon and driver Zac Butcher.
