A professional display from speedy Otaki visitor De Armas paved the way for a decisive victory in the first stakes race on Saturday at Pukekohe, the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) with Home Affairs gelding Harvey Wallbanger charging home from last to run second.

Perennial black-type bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha shed that unwanted tag in outstanding fashion when she downed a quality line-up of mares in Saturday’s Gr.2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe.