The father and son team of Darryn and Sam Weatherley combined at Matamata to record their first win together with Soda in the Transport Mechanical Waharoa Ltd 1400. Soda jumped from her inside barrier to settle midfield for Sam Weatherley where she remained until she was asked to improve at the 400m mark. She took the lead with 150m to go and didn't look back, winning by three-quarters of a length over Palamedes, with one length back to Te Akau Dragon in third.

Sam has recently returned from a stint riding in Sydney for leading trainer Chris Waller and he was delighted to record his first win for his father on his local track. “It's a big thrill,” Weatherley said. “When I was riding before, Dad didn't have any runners, now he has taken it up a bit more seriously and has got a few more in work.”

Soda was in fine form heading into the race with a win and five consecutive placings and trainer Darryn Weatherley was pleased with her heading into Wednesday's assignment fresh-up. “Her work the other day was outstanding,” he said. “She's a pleasure to have around, I would love to have ten more like her. “We had a soft draw (barrier one), so I thought we could get a nice, soft run. Sam rode her a treat.”

Weatherley was delighted for owners RBC Racing and believes they have an exciting future ahead with the mare. “She is out of a Zabeel mare and she has just got better and better (with time),” he said. “She is only little but she has got a big heart. I think she will keep on improving. It's very special for the connections as well because they sponsored the day today.”