Talented All Too Hard four year-old Demonetization made a winning return to the track at Counties on Friday when taking out the Haunui Farm 1400.
The Nigel Tiley-trained runner underwent a gelding operation after a disappointing runner-up performance last-start and Tiley said he has seen a marked improvement in last season's Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) winner.
"He's done really well. He was much more user friendly today when we were saddling him up," Tiley said.
"He has really settled and has taken it all in today, whereas when he was a colt he was a real handful."
Demonetization was installed a $1.90 favourite by punters and got up on the line to beat Pop Star Princess by a nose.
Tiley was happy with the win and said an Australian autumn campaign could be on the cards for his gelding.
"It was a big effort, he had a big weight (59.5kg) on his back. It's just great to see him back," Tiley said.
"We'll just see how he pulls up. I'm not too keen to give him too many runs on firm tracks. As long as he can get his toe in the ground through the autumn, you never know we might take him to Australia if he comes up." - NZ RAcing Desk