Progressive mare Art Deco underlined her potential as a serious winter performer when she gave her rivals a start and a comprehensive beating over 1200 metres at Tauranga on Saturday.

Trainer Allan Sharrock brought the four-year-old north in search of the better prizemoney available on the day and was delighted to take home the thick end of the $30,000 stake on offer. Sharrock has often noted the high regard he holds for the Road To Rock mare and is keen to see her step up to better things in the short term.

“Long term she is an Opunake Cup mare which I’ve said all along,” he responded when questioned after the race.

“We might have a look at the Winter Cup as well although I think the owners might want to have a go at the Merial Metric Mile instead.

“We were here for the $30,000 on offer for the rating 85 grade today with the bonus that she will still be on the minimum when she does step out in open class.”

Sharrock’s Hong Kong apprentice Alfred Chan was aboard the mare and produced a nicely judged effort to run down free-going pacemaker Rich Billie Marsh in the closing stages although he did admit he was a little worried when well back in the field with just 600 metres to run.

“Allan told me to sit midfield in about 4th or 5th but the pace was too quick so I had to ease off and sit her back,” he advised.

“On the corner, I was panicking a bit as she was too far back but she’s outstanding and was just too good.”

Chan was also quick to mention the advice he had received from former top-class rider Noel Harris before the race.

“It was my first-time riding right handed in New Zealand so I talked to Mr Harris about how to ride on this sort of track and he really helped me,” he said.

The victory was Art Deco’s fifth at just her 14th start where she has yet to finish outside the first three in her career to date.