In a crazy Canterbury Classic at Addington last night, one thing emerged for sure - Tiger Tara is off to the New Zealand Cup.
So, for that matter, are Smolda and Christen Me, who also qualified by finishing in the top three although both were guaranteed a start with their spots on the rankings.
Christen Me edged the lead early from the inside draw, but was hassled from the 2000m by Venus Serena then Brilliant Strike three wide.
Meanwhile, Tiger Tara was sitting in the trail and when Venus Serena dropped off, driver Gerard O'Reilly angled off Christen Me's back to shoot by.
Smolda, who was on Tiger Tara's back, finished powerfully on the markers while Christen Me held on for third from Mossdale Conner.
Earlier on the card, Master Larvos loved Stent's absence in the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup, taking the lead with 1600m and winning comfortably over Quite A Moment and Harrysul. Sheemon had a nice spot for the last lap, but was just fair running fourth.
Last season's 2yr-old male pacer of the year, Chase The Dream, returned to racing with victory by a long head over stablemate Cash N Flow in the Sires' Stakes heat.
