This G1 mile at WFA went to Rock On Wood that finally got the duck off his back as he scored at the elite level by a length in 1:39.66. The 6yo gelding today was winning his eighth race in just seventeen starts but today was his fifth crack at G1 having in four runs prior been placed third once, fourth twice and seventh the other time. The winners and where they came from turning for home in order were led (on the fence and two lengths ahead), eighth (one-off the inside and four lengths from the leader), seventh (ten-off the inside and four lengths from the leader), led (four-off the inside and half a length ahead), led (two-off the inside and two lengths ahead), second (two-off the inside and four-lengths from the leader), third (on the fence and a length from the leader), sixth (six-wide turning for home and three lengths from the leader) and sixth (four-off the inside and four lengths from the leader). Rock On Wood raced seventh or eighth and wide but this was not a problem on the Slow7 footing today and the gelding improved sixth and wide turning for home then surged to be third at the 300m before leading at the 150m. He had pinched a winning leads by this point and while the time was poor (the race prior, a lowly Benchmark74, was won by Heirloom in 1:39.22, almost three lengths superior time). The record of Rock On Wood shows that he is a gifted galloper with the five times he has missed the top three being three fourths (two at G1 and one at G2), a sixth (at G3) and a seventh (at G1). Second home was the favorite in the 6yo mare Concert Hall, which ran on well from second last and wide across the top. She came with her usual strong surge from ninth turning for home to be second 15m out but the winner had too big a start on her the final 200m or so. Concert Hall has also won eight races but now after two goes at G1 has an eighth against fillies and mares only in March of 2019 and today's close second in a G1 at WFA versus allcomers. Third home was the leader Deerfield that kicked clear the run home then once headed at the 200m fought hard for third, as he was fourth the final 15m but came back to regain a top three placing. He was ridden by an apprentice too it should be added. Hypnos trailed on the inner then popped off and surged to lead at the 200m but weakened a tad to be headed and third at the 150m only to end up fourth with 10m to go. He was only beaten all up just over two lengths but he was soft the closing stages. Fifth home was Mauna Kea that raced sixth then fifth the inside before fighting on though was beaten over four and a half lengths. Sixth home was the South Island prepared mare Flying Sardine that raced fourth between runners mostly and may have been a tad close and not liking being surrounded either. She ended up boxing on from eighth at the 200m to be sixth at the 100m. Next home was Beefeater that raced seventh surrounded and was ninth wide across the top and he battled away okay and was also ridden by an apprentice. Aimee's Jewel, the hype horse before the race, ran a modest eighth beaten six lengths after settling down a clear last and coming the widest turning for home. The 4yo mare at just start number six today ran on okay all things considered but how she started at just $6.50 and a clear fourth favourite defies belief but also showed this was not a serious G1 field. The fifth favourite started at $19 to show the field lacked serious depth. Times Ticking ran a modest ninth while Shadows Cast was a poor tenth and the rank outsider Awesome Al finished last as expected. For sheer consistency and turning up and putting in almost every start Rock On Wood got a deserved his G1 kill and now will target this grade several times more this season. Concert Hall is a G1 winner in waiting but being a mare how long can they wait with her? This was a sedate run race overall and only the runner up broke 35 seconds (34.97) for the last 600m.