Alpha Pukeko (pictured) continued his purple patch of form to steal the show at Otaki today in a main event which also featured top performances from the supporting acts.

The talented Catbird speedster downed an intriguing line-up in the $15,000 Family Hotel Handicap for a delighted Hawera trainer and part-owner Wayne Jones.

"It's just great and this horse is really starting to mature and it's been another brilliant day," he said.

"I was confident in that I knew he was very well, but there were a lot of good horses in the race."

Jones believes Alpha Pukeko has the talent to measure up in Gr I company, but is resigned to waiting another 12 months for the opportunity.

"He's 27th on the list for the Mudgway and today's win means nothing so he won't make the field," he said.

"I know he'd be competitive and be more than happy to front up, but we don't meet the criteria - maybe next year."

Alpha Pukeko has now won three of his last four starts with his only recent defeat was a runner-up finish to Pindy in the Listed Waikato Stud Opunake Cup.

The five-year-old was ridden today by regular rider Kelly Myers and stalked the pace to the 500-metre mark.

Myers angled him off the fence soon after and he bounded clear in the straight to cross the line with three-quarters of a length to spare.

"Kelly said it was his easiest win and she only had to give him one hit and shake the reins at him," said Jones.

"The dead five track was perfect for him and he's happy as anything."

Jones said Alpha Pukeko was likely to make his next appearance in the Gr III $70,000 Merial Ancare Metric Mile at Awapuni on September 12.

"We might have a look at the Kelt Memorial at Hastings after that."

There were several notable efforts in behind Alpha Pukeko, including the one of Samurai, who powered home from last to finish runner-up.

Mega Belt stayed on strongly for third after racing on the pace with Shariats On Fire, who holds a Gr I $1.2 million Kelt Capital Stakes nomination, an encouraging fourth.

The Gr I $220,000 Mudgway Partsworld Stakes contender My Astron ran on generously for fifth in his first start for five months ahead of Capecover.

The seven-year-old opened his Gr I Emirates Melbourne Cup campaign in fine style by making good ground in the closing 300 metres.