The skills of Mark and Natalie and the success of regular owners, Phil and Glenys Kennard , Neil Pilcher and Australian Marcus Kirkwood were underlined after Natalie's memorable drive to win her 30th Harness Racing Group One in the Len Smith Mile.
Finally after a long history of frustration which bordered on resignation Smolda reminded Australians of his great class.
It was only in November that his career was in limbo.
His Cup preparation was in disarray and since the beginning of 2014 he had raced only five times.
This was after Mark was the man who insisted that Smolda had the full time off senior veterinary adviser Dr Bill Bishop had recommended. No short cuts.
Reassessing the situation with the horse who won eight of his 12 starts at three including a sensational Harness Jewels victory (1 52.1) and the NSW Derby and when Mark was rating him among the best horses he had trained, it was back to the drawing board.
Promising, then a little disappointing at the Auckland Cup carnival his only win since January 2014 came at Addington in March in a field he had to beat.
But Mark and Natalie sensed that all the racing was helping him after a long time off and with no opportunities here it was off to Australia where he is now unbeaten in two starts on the campaign which is likely to last longer yet.
And a cherry ripe Smolda is suddenly looming in 2015 NZ Cup contention.
But then all his life Smolda has been surprising people.
He was not in keen demand as a yearling shares being advertised on the All Stars site which brought Marcus Kirkwood into a ride he has enjoyed to the full.
Phil and Glenys of course are rarely out of the All Stars headlines and Pilch-well he has always loved his Courage Under Fire's.
Waikiki Beach
Neil Pilcher became the most successful APG two year old final winning owner in history when Our Waikiki Beach which he races with Trevor Casey and Cheryl Rasmussen won at Menangle on Sunday.
He ran his last 400m in 25.9 and 1.54.3 overall after a superb rating from Natalie who was posting her second APG final win.
Mark has figured in the training of all three of Pilch's wins which began with Mr Nickel in 2011 when the longshot came out best after Fly Like An Eagle got a horrible run.
Last year Follow the Stars was the winner with Pilch again in the partnership.
Waikiki Beach was knocked down to Neil, selected by Mark, for $A50,000 at least year's Melbourne sale and it is hardly a matter of regret.
He is still unbeaten having won the Welcome Stakes at Addington after winning the Kindergarten Stakes and has won his heat, semi and Final of the APG series.
OUR AUSTRALIAN RECORD THIS SEASON
13 WINS
Fight For Glory -2 wins – NSW Oaks Prelude. NSW Oaks
Follow The Stars– 3 wins – Caduceus Club
Adore Me – 2 wins – Ladyship Mile G1
Hug the Wind 1 win – NSW Derby Prelude
Waikiki Beach 3 wins – APG heat, semi-final, final
Smolda 2 wins – Penrith Cup-Len Smith Mile
EIGHT GROUP WINNERS
FOUR GROUP ONES !
OVER $500,000 IN STAKES
Courtesy All Stars Racing Stables