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.

The Kembla standalone meeting on Saturday was run in relentless mist and light rain, but the gloomy conditions didn’t dampen the turn of foot possessed by talented Zousain mare Catch the Glory, who powered to the line to win the $300,000 The Warra (1000m).