The G3 for fillies and mares at 2000m under WFA saw Endure gain a well deserved win and showed she can be a middle distance player this year. It was her first attempt at both the trip and blacktype today and the late maturing 5yo mare passed with flying colours to record just her third win from eighteen starts. She scored by a length in 2:05.99 on another cutting up and off track at Awapuni and being out of a Zabeel dam was clearly a big tick. The runner up and favourite Thee Auld Floozie fought on well for second after sitting handy and had every chance. Bella’s Delight at big odds fought well for third after setting the pace and gained some invaluable blacktype. Nigelissima ran an honest fourth and may have lacked the seasoning needed for the poorly presented track being second up but she did try ever so hard. China Star covered the world in the running so to box on for fifth was gutsy enough and she probably should have been in the money but for such an overlander. Tequila Sunrise was seen running on late down the outer from well back and wide while Skybird may have gone too soon for her rider when wilting into seventh beaten just over three lengths. The mare was back then went right through closer to third before attacking at the 600m and taking the lead turning for home, so unsurprisingly she had to feel the strain with such a long breather-less run. The rest were beaten six lengths up to almost sixteen lengths and did not stay or cope at this class and scale in the main. Tiffany’s was a shocker and she was under the whip a long way out and even when last at the 200m with her rider Matthew Cameron reprimanded by stewards in their official report for striking a runner that was well out of contention. Endure now has that stamina option and with her honesty and versatility regarding footing she can improve on her record if raced on next season. Thee Auld Floozie has a good record at middle distance so can continue earning as a 4yo and that includes if she went to Queensland for the winter carnival that seems to go on for an eternity. She may be a Cups horse under handicap conditions in New Zealand next season. Nigelissima is a winner in waiting this campaign and China Star is best in front and under handicap conditions so has more to offer this year. Tequila Sunrise and Skybird would win back to their proper class next time out on how they went today if handicapped appropriately. Tiffany’s was a bad look all around but is better than that deserves another chance if all is okay with the mare both physically and mentally.