Emerging talent Aka Daka finished the year in impressive fashion with an all the way win at Echuca.
Ridden by Corey Parish, the Too Darn Hot gelding was far too good as he coasted home 2-1/4 lengths ahead of his rivals in the Carlton Draught BM56 Hcp (1600m) on New Years Eve.
Aka Daka has now won twice in 11 starts with both wins coming this campaign, having scored at Ararat in November.
Trainer Vincent Malady said that the four-year-old had been gelded before this campaign and had since steadily improved.
Owned by Hirsch Racing, Aka Daka impressed Luke Currie when he won his Ararat maiden despite having a tendency to over-race, but at Echuca travelled sweetly in the lead.
He settled two lengths in front and came back underneath Corey who was able to hold him up for a strong home straight finish.
“Corey was able to control the race from the start, the horse travelled well and was able to give a good kick when asked,” Vincent said.
“He is a big horse who has taken some time but is starting to put it all together now.”
Backed from $3.60 to $3.20 favourite, Aka Daka easily beat Flashlight ($3.60) with Sugar and Sweet ($12) another 2-3/4 lengths away third.