Franco Ledger settled four back on the inner and Hamish Hunter, his Ryal Bush trainer, worked him into the clear early in the run home and he finished strongly down the outer to catch Franco Emirate near the line.
Franco Emirate skipped for several strides at the start and settled second last. He followed Mach Banner forward and came from two back on the outer to hit the front at the 70m.
Rangataua Ray, three back on the inner, finished on for third.
The favourite, Stunin Cullen, was sent to the lead then tracked Ohoka Texas who took control at the 1600m. Both battled over the closing stages.
Franco Ledger is to have his next start in the Hannon Memorial tomorrow week.
Franco Ledger ran the 2600m in 3.13.5 (a 1.59.7 mile rate), the last 800m in 56.4, the final 400m in 28.4.
His time was two seconds outside the New Zealand record of Bettor's Strike.
Franco Ledger is raced by Hunter with the 10-person What Ever syndicate which includes Paul O'Neill, president of the Waikouaiti Trotting Club, Ken McConnell, of Clyde, the manager of the syndicate, John Catherwood and Bevan Dowling, of Hyde, Tony O'Neill, of Gimmerburn, Bruce Harvie, of Middlemarch, Mike Cornelissen, of Mosgiel, Rob Wilks and Brendan McIntyre, of Invercargill, and Neil Tisdall, of Perth.
Franco Ledger had not raced for four and a-half months.
It was the first win at Addington for Franco Ledger in seven starts on the track.
Hunter trained and drove Malaz to finish fourth in the 1986 New Zealand Cup won by Master Mood.
Franco Ledger took his stake earnings to $150,900, the result of 13 wins and six placings from 32 starts.
