Returning to the winner’s circle on Saturday was Pencarrow Stud graduate Kolonel Kev (NZ) (Darci Brahma) with triumph in the $40,000 NZ Tax Refunds Premier (1600m) at Riccarton Park.

Trained by Lisa Latta, this was Kolonel Kev’s third win from 13 starts, last winning in December 2014 as a three-year-old over 1400m. Finishing fifth in the Group 1 Levin Classic last season, Kolonel Kev has returned as a four-year-old to place twice from his four starts.

Ridden by Kelly Myers from barrier 6, Kolonel Kev settled to race mid-field as Big Hoss (NZ) (Elusive City) took up the lead. As the field approached the home turn, Myers angled him out wide to get a clear run at the top of straight.

Sprinting down the straight with ease Kolonel Kev glided to victory by two-and-a-half-lengths over Big Hoss and Heni (NZ) (Towkay) who finished in second and third places respectively.

Lisa Latta Racing Stables purchased the four-year-old gelding at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2013 Premier Sale for $200,000 from Pencarrow Stud.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, the son of Darci Brahma is out of unraced mare Lucky Be Lucky (Storm Cat), a half-sister to Group 1 winner Love Lock (Silver Ghost), winner of the Group 1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes. Kolonel Kev is a half-brother to stakes placegetter Santangelo (Lonhro).

Lucky Be Lucky foaled a colt by Darci Brahma this month, a full-brother to Kolonel Kev.