The Christian Cullen FFA at tonights harness racing meeting at Addington Raceway may not have had a big field numbers wise but with the Harness Jewels just eight days away, several of the name runners were having their final blowout before the big day.
Dalton Bromac was a warm favourite in front of Sky Major and Tiger Tara while Messini was let go at ten to one in the 1950 metres mobile.
Dalton Bromac and Ricky May came out firing from barrier four but were hotly challenged and headed by Tiger Tara and Gerard O'Reilly who took up the lead with 1600 metres to go.
Tiger Tara was really running in front and was joined in front at the 1000 metres by Messini and Mark Purdon.
The speed was upped again passing the 800 metres and the two smart four year olds sizzled down the back straight and and carried the battle around the corner and up the home straight.
About 50 metres from home Messini mastered Tiger Tara and held a half neck margin at the finish.
Sky Major made ground stylishly from well off the pace for third, 1 3/4 lengths away with six lengths away to a very disappointing Dalton Bromac.
The 1950 metres was paced in a very quick 2:19.2 in the cool and brisk conditions, a mile rate of 1:54.8 with closing sectionals of 54.8 and 27.4
Mark Purdon was pleased to have the son of Art Major back in the winners circle.
" I am really pleased that he is back to his best.
" He didn't handle the Auckland way round so you can disregard those runs"
" The draw (14) in the Jewels makes it very hard but at least he is back to his best," Mark said.
Geoff Dunn was thrilled with the run of Tiger Tara.
"He showed real gate speed and fought on great so I couldn't be happier.
"He is right where I want him heading into next week and he is right on target,"Geoff said.
Barry Purdon was also very happy with Sky Major.
" They have run home in 54.8 and he has made up a lot of ground."
" He blew out at the 100 metres but that will top him off nicely for the Jewels," Barry said.
Dalton Bromac was very disappointing by his own high standards and it soon became apparent why.
Post race it was discovered that Dalton Bromac had bled and he has been stood down for thirty days as a result.
Benny Hill was very philosophical after the race.
"At least we still have a horse."
"We will take him home and give him a break and get him ready for next season," Benny said.
Messini sent out a very clear message tonight that he is right in the zone at the moment and not completely out of it on Jewels day even from barrier 14.
Harnesslink Media