Promising two-year-old Lord Cosmos went one better than last week when he produced a powerful home straight surge to capture the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa.

The Mark Walker-trained runner had run home strongly to finish runner-up behind Charmario at the venue last weekend and replicated his effort from that day with another eye-catching performance as he came from last for rider Sam Weatherley, who took the mount with regular pilot Opie Bosson riding in Queensland at present.

Weatherley let proceedings unfold in front of him as pacemakers Westwood and Mazzolino disputed a steady speed in front.

Mazzolino shook off Westwood at the 200m and looked set for success on debut however Lord Cosmos was just warming up out wide and he joined issue at the 100m to score a clear-cut half-length victory.

Walker, who is in Queensland campaigning a team for Te Akau Racing was rapt to see the son of Pierro strike stakes success.

“He is a horse we have a lot of time for and he has just needed a little time to mature,” Walker said.

“I thought the Te Rapa track was superbly presented today as it was fair for all horses and he was able to run his race from the back and be too good over the closing stages.

“He is a horse who is going to keep getting better with age as he is a real athlete and just needs to strengthen even further.

“We may pop him out for a month or so now while the weather is warm and if he comes back like I think he will then he could well be a classic contender next season.”

Purchased by David Ellis for $190,000 out of the Hallmark Stud draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka last year, Lord Cosmos has now won two of his five starts for the Te Akau Galactic Racing Partnership.

Walker was also delighted with the performance of lightly raced stayer Soprano Supreme who finished a gallant second in the XXXX Gold Coast Cup (2400m) at the Gold Coast after having to make her run in the worst of the going near the rail.

“She was a bit stiff as she was down in the worst ground and was very brave in the run home,” he said.

“We took a punt bringing her over here as she was down in the ratings with low prizemoney to her name, but she is a real horse of the future who has a good win in her just around the corner.”

The race was taken out by Stardome, a son of Savabeel who is raced by Kiwi-syndicator Go Racing from the stable of Chris Waller. – NZ Racing Desk