Dominant win by South Coast Arden

South Coast Arden has sent out a clear message that he’s a serious New Zealand Cup contender by taking out the Group Two Canterbury Classic at Addington tonight.

The Brent Mangos-trained pacer hadn’t been seen on raceday since winning at the Harness Jewels in Cambridge in June but had been in winning form at the trials since heading south from Pukekohe.

Confidently driven by Natalie Rasmussen the four-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere made a mid race move three wide before being parked outside the pace-making Pembrook Playboy.

He then wore down the leader to make it win number ten from start 22.

South Coast Arden has been heavily backed on the fixed odds for the New Zealand Cup. Opening at $6.50 he is now into $3.50. That’s second favourite behind defending champion Self Assured who finished third tonight, behind Pembrook Playboy.

Classie Brigade, who was in the trail behind Pembrook Playboy, finished fourth.

Earlier in the night hot favourite and multiple Group One winner Sundees Son again showed his dominance, winning the feature trot from Chief of Staff. It was a Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained quinella.