The G2 Avondale Cup (2400m) saw a lightly tried 4yo bury his rivals in Sacred Master and extend his campaign by one more race after today as a result. Sacred Master came from well back and such was the sustained power of his surge he picked up and passed his rivals impressively the final 300m. He clocked 2:31.64 and that is not flash but the rail was out 7m today at Ellerslie and the footing had more than cushion in it. It was his sixth win in twelve starts and not bad considering on the first day of this season he won his maiden over a mile. The G1 Auckland Cup (3200m) next month is his likely last run before getting a well deserved spell. King Kamada ran on well for another placing but seems to have forgotten how to win while Farm Boy ridden quieter came with a stamina burst for third. Pondarosa Miss probably should have won easily but for a nightmare hard run and she was uber brave for fourth beaten just over a length. The mare was wide for the first half of the race then attacked for the lead and got it only to be tested and handed up before popping off the fence and challenging across the top to lead at the 400m. It was a stupendous effort. She was third in the G1 Auckland Cup (3200) last year and can win it on this effort. Benzini was seen running on well from the back the inside so is best ridden cold. Decorah was okay but a tad disappointing for how she had been racing prior so warrants another chance. Smedley was huge at $105 after settling last then looping the field deep to challenge midrace then took the front only to be tested across the top to the home turn. Once headed the run home he did not chuck in the towel and boxed on bravely for seventh to be beaten three lengths. Show The World was not too bad but can be impossible to follow on raceday with his form reversals and forgive Rose Of Virginia after she found some strife the home straight. Apache Fireworks also found similar trouble so forgive her too. Jimmy Mac sadly injured a flexor tendon and was pulled up late with the gelding now retired. The 4yo winner Sacred Master may have one more big race left in him for the season and certainly has it all ahead as a 5yo. Pondarosa Miss looks an Auckland Cup winner in waiting after a huge fourth as long as she has not been flattened by the gutbuster. Smedley at telephone numbers was the unheralded brave effort.