The Auckland Trotting Club's 2006 Syndicate's standout flag bearer covered himself in glory with his emphatic triumph after losing four or five lengths early in his stunning 1:58.8 mile rate success over gallant Baileys Dream, Report For Duty and Special Ops.

It is now easy to appreciate why the Auckland Trotting Club has changed its Cup to a mobile start after today's early chaos that was an unqualified disaster for the image of harness racing on its major day of the season.

One had to spare a thought for the club, sponsors, promoters and others who were dealt a cruel blow by Ohoka Rebel and Gotta Go Cullen disrupting the start and being sent to the outside of the limit mark when starter Peter Lamb justifiably called a second start.

If ever the call to abandon standing starts in major races was more opportune then today's debacle was the last straw.

Opponents of standing starts in big races will surely become more vociferous and rightly so.

It is difficult to imagine any enthusiastic newcomers or first timers demanding fair play wanting to return for a second dose of standing starts.

That is the central issue NZMTC officials will now have to address after today's bone of contention with standing starts climaxed.

To add to today's turmoil Gotta Go Cullen had to have a buckled wheel replaced before the second start was called with betting still carrying on six minutes after the scheduled starting time.

The vast majority of bets had already been lodged before the rearranged barrier draw that obviously changed criteria by which punters would have earlier chosen what course of action to take.

Gotta Go Cullen and Monkey King were early gallopers the second time around with the former pacing a remarkable race after to finish sixth.

Monkey King, not surprisingly, faded out after his huge effort when he was caught parked without cover after surging from well back.

Driver David Butcher finally gained his first Cup triumph after two placings with Elsu.

Trainer Geoff Small, originally from Canterbury, completed a burning home town ambition to win the country's most coveted race which was the first harness event raced for with a seven figure purse in New Zealand.

The $720,000 he earned today advanced Changeover's total stakes won to almost $2 million, his exact figure being $1,957,154, the result of 21 wins from 37 starts. He has also gained five seconds and two thirds.

The success of the Auckland Trotting Club's 2006 Syndicate spearheaded by the winner's co breeder Rod Carr followed on from that of the NZ Met Syndicate's earlier triumph today with Roydon Flash in the Ballantyne's Trot.

The two principals Changeover and Baileys Dream made mid race advances to eventually occupy the front (Baileys Dream) and trail.

Bailey's Dream tried his heart out for Todd Mitchell, going for his fifth win in the race, but Changeover always had the drop on him.

Slowly, but surely, Changeover mastered his gallant seven year old rival, capitalizing on the passing lane, and bringing his army of supporters through with a $3.10 win dividend.

Reports circulated after of some massive bets placed on the winner at tight odds.

Changeover went under four minutes for the 3200 metres with his unlucky fourth last year when he was carted back by the tiring Classic Cullen at a vital early stage of the run home.

One of the keys to his win this year was his trainer's ability to spell him at a more opportune winter time and set him specifically for the NZ Cup.

Last year, Changeover was still racing in mid August when successful in the Breeders' Crown in Victoria after a demanding 4 Year Old campaign.

"Geoff (trainer Small) had him spot on and trained for the moment for this one,'' Butcher enthused after today's resounding success.

It is only to be hoped that the passage of time will help erase memories of the standing start debacle and that a great horse's world record time will be remembered for what it surely was.

Don Wright