Franco Tai, runner-up to Moonrock in the $50,000 NZ Yearling Sales Series Aged Handicap Pace at Kaikoura 12 months ago, went one better in the 2017 edition at Kaikoura.

The five-year-old Lis Mara gelding is raced by Southland’s Robert and Sharon Symon, who also race classy mare Nek Time from the Leeston stable of trainers Terry and Glenys Chmiel.

Franco Tai, a half-brother to the well-performed Franco Texas, had lost form last term, but has improved with each start this campaign.

“He underwent a wind operation and apparently Franco Texas had one too, so it might be something in the family,” said Terry Chmiel.

“It’s good to win another good race for the Symons’; they’re great owners.”

Franco Tai’s good manners landed him the gun spot behind leader Red Moon Rising, who he was ultimately able to outpoint in the run to the line.

Chmiel, who drove Franco Tai, had an anxious moment halfway down the straight when the horse paced roughly for a stride and may have tried to jump a shoe on the track.

He rallied best to win from co-backmarker Robbie Burns, who had tried hard, with Red Moon Rising holding on for third for trainer-driver Gavin Smith.