THE win of consistent dog Codex again proved why punters rate the inside box such an advantage.
Codex missed the start in the Steve Smith Grade Five (461m) last night (Thursday) but the Gerald Mace-trained dog was able to muster speed and hold the rail to vie for the lead with the well-backed Howzat Patsy heading to the top turn.
But when the big effort needed to be delivered Codex dug deep and went on to score from Crimson Leigh that came from back in the field with Arnhem Villain a close-up third.
It was Codex’s fourth win from 10 starts and his first outing on the Hobart circuit.
Prince Solo worked home well to make up the first four while the well-backed Howzat Patsy surprisingly dropped out to finish near the rear of the field.
Codex clocked 26.55 with splits of 5.27 and 11.48.