"He was with Tony Barron but he didn't want a colt so he came to me," Larsen said, "they (connections) didn't want to geld him."

Silver Ranger was bred by Bruce Stirling of Clydevale in South Otago and he races him in partnership with Jimmy Gin of Oamaru. At Invercargill towards the end of October, Larsen had prepared Da Ginstir to win for the same partners.

Both Silver Ranger and Da Ginstir are members of one of Stirling's top producing families, and are by full brothers. Silver Ranger is by Julius Caesar and Da Ginstir is a son of Christian Cullen.

When Silver Ranger won at Winton in May he was just the second winner sired by Julius Caesar. His dam Vera's Motoring is by New York Motoring from Vera's Pride, a Holmes Hanover mare from Ev's Dream.

A full sister to Vera's Pride is Vera's Dream, the dam of Da Ginstir.

Today's race was Silver Ranger's first since performing admirably as a two-year-old. His five starts included a second to Jewels placegetter Beaudiene Bad Babe before his win, achieved against all ages of non-winners in May. They were all part of a development process.

"He learned plenty last term and is a lot stronger now," said Larsen, "he has come up good."

Larsen was given confidence that Silver Ranger would perform well today when he won a trial at Ascot park four days ago, but said he had to be even better today.

Silver Ranger struck trouble at the start and was in the last three on settling. Through the straight the first time, he joined the three-wide-line and that ultimately carried him to the front about 800m out.

Tackled before the turn, Silver Ranger changed gear on straightening and surged clear.

"He was knocked over at the start and broke," Larsen said, "it was a good run."

Larsen has not finalised a next start for Silver Ranger but couldn't rule out taking him to Addington for one of the later nights of the cup meeting.

Mac Henry