Harness racing pundits were out in force when Stent failed to run down One Over Da Moon at Ashburton a week ago.
Was there a chink appearing in the armour of the champion trotter they said or was it just that he was a touch underdone last week.
We didn't have to wait long to find out the answer with trainer /driver Colin De Filippi having a late change of plans and starting Stent today in the FFA trot at Kaikoura.
His arch nemesis Master Lavros was also there and as expected these two made it a drama filled race.
After a prolonged early tussle for the lead where the two champions drew clear of the field, Master Lavros worked to the front with Stent making him work very hard for the lead.
Colin then waited for the passing lane and shot Stent through for a comfortable win from a big finisher in Waterloo Sunset.
The fact the race was run in a new New Zealand record time for the 2400 metres of 3:00.2 for the 2400 metres only added further merit to Stent's run.
It was win number thirty for Stent and cemented him once again as the trotter to beat during Cup Week.
Colin looked a happy man on returning to the birdcage.
" I wasn't as disappointed as a lot of people were with his run at Ashburton."
"He had just got away on me a bit before Ashburton and I knew he would improve."
" I had to make Mark on Master Lavros work hard early because he was the main danger today."
" Stent has such a great all round game so he can make his own luck," Colin said.
With Stent racing today there is now a question mark over weather he will line up in the New Zealand Trotting Free For All on Cup Day as a lead in to the Dominion Handicap on Show Day at Addington.
" I would say it is 50:50 at this stage."
" I will sit down with the owner Trevor Casey in the next day or two and sort out what we are doing."
" Personally I don't think starting in both of the races would do him any harm but we will see how he comes through this race first," said Colin.
The win today by Stent sets up another clash with Master Lavros in the 3200 metres Dominion Handicap over a distance where there is little between them.
It promises to be one of the must watch races of Cup week.
Harnesslink Media