The field size being attracted to this often moved G1 is still a concern as the shift to an early December date since 2009 is not working as hoped though we are in an era of weak WFA depth at the moment. The winning time of 1:35.42 is the second fastest time since moved to an early summer date with We Can Say Now clocking 1:34.04 in 2009. The time today needs to be put into perspective especially at Trentham with two races earlier a special conditions event for one-win and mostly maiden gallopers clocking 1:36.92 or (nine lengths inferior). You would hope a G1 race under WFA for all comers could beat mostly maidens and a few one-win gallopers by a lot more than that every time. Also the finish was very bunched in the main event today and that more often than not says a lack of true ability or depth in the field. Shuka was winning his first G1 race today and has never looked up to that level prior (in four runs at G1 has finished fifth (as a 3yo), sixth, ninth (as a 3yo) and eleventh. The fact the win came at WFA suggests this will be his area of attack in his 5yo season as nothing to fear it seems. Danielle Johnson amazingly was getting her first ever G1 as a rider. The stablemates Viadana and Brave Centaur ran good races with the former already a G1 winner under handicap conditions getting nutted after looking the winner at 100m. The latter showed he is not just a handicapper and being a strongly built leader or on pacer it is at WFA where he can cash in even more. Survived had every chance but hit his usual flat patch the run home before getting a second wind the closing stages. Nashville was simply too far back and the widest runner turning for home to be a win chance when the middle sector of the race was not run overly hard. I Do and Postman’s Daughter do not look like G1 mares under WFA versus all comers at this stage as either their own sex or handicap events are more suitable. Final Touch the hot favourite and winner of the race last year never really looked to be travelling at any stage. The pride of the South Island was a tad flat turning for home then got hampered at the 220m when battling anyway. The rider eased her up thinking she had struck herself and was concerned with her action. Three of the five winners since moved to an early summer date have been mares but female gallopers dominate New Zealand racing anyway as they can run in almost every race and get sex allowances under handicap conditions let alone at WFA. The WFA form is suspect this season for sure in New Zealand with two of the three winners over the Triple Crown at Hastings in the spring being absolutely demolished in Australia (Melbourne) namely Xanadu (twice) and Ransomed.