New harness racing season, same Stent.
Colin DeFilippi and last season's trotter of the year, picked up where they left off with their usual military procession at Addington on Friday night.
In his first race day start as he heads to the Group I Dominion Handicap, Stent was a convincing one and three quarter length winner over arch rival Master Lavros.
For a $12,000 trot, the race carried plenty of interest with classy mares Habibti and Kincaslough also making their first starts for the season.
Many of the top trotters will be back next Friday night for the Group III Canterbury Park Trotting Cup over 2600m.
Stent looked to be carrying plenty of condition and DeFilippi believed he would strip fitter next week if he returns for the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup.
He worked Stent into a charmed one-one sit and when he asked him to go he sprinted past Master Lavros.
DeFilippi, who trains in partnership with wife Julie, said he would need see what handicap Stent would start from before he committed to it.
On the back of the win, TAB bookmakers moved Stent into Dominion Handicap at $3.40 from his $3.80 while Master Lavros holds firm at $3.60.
Trainer-driver Mark Jones was not concerned with Master Lavros's effort first up and probably relieved he stepped away, albeit a little slowly.
Jones said the giant 7-year-old son of Sundon would likely be back next week.
Stent trotted the 2600m in 3-18.6 and ran home in 56.6 and 27.6.
The Craig and Aimee Edmonds trained Kincaslough hit the line nicely from near the back.
Aimee Edmonds confirmed she was happy with the Love You mare who would be back next Friday.
David Butt gave comeback trotter Habibti his tick of approval in her first run back since suffering a suspensory ligament after her last race day start in October 2014.
Mat Kermeen
Reproduced with permission of Stuff NZ – Check site here