The 2008 Auckland Cup winner proved too seasoned and too strong for his Franklin counterpart in the Group 3 Kumeu Stakes at Alexandra Park tonight. It was the first time they had eye-balled each other since last season.

Changeover was having his first race since Cup Week at Addington Raceway in November, while Gotta Go Cullen was fresh from his half length Auckland Cup victory over Monkey King on March 7.

“He only ever does what he has to. He will definitely be improved by the run. There’s still a bit in reserve,” said the son of Christian Cullen’s trainer and driver Tony Herlihy.

Both Gotta Go Cullen and Changeover have bigger priorities at Alexandra Park on April 25 and May 2 when they will contest the two big Group 1s for 4-year-olds, the Noel Taylor Mile and the New Zealand Messenger Championship.

Gotta Go Cullen was always in control in the $30,000 sprint paced over the 2200m mobile. He had three quarters of a length and half a head to spare over Mr Ricky and L E Operative. Changeover was a length back in fourth place.

“He’s not as far forward as what he was in the Auckland Cup but he’s getting there. He should be spot on for the Group 1 races later in the month,” Herlihy said.

“To be honest I always thought I had the race in safe keeping. He felt good throughout,” Herlihy added.

Gotta Go Cullen won in 2:42.2 with a slick 1:58.6 mile rate. He paced his final 800m in 56.8 seconds and final quarter in 27.4 seconds.

For Changeover his perfromance had ‘next time’ written all over it. He’s a lot bigger this time in and with this race out of his system he should narrow the two length deficit which he went down by tonight.

“He did all we asked of him tonight. I’m pleased with the run” said trainer-driver Geoff Small.

By Duane Ranger