Just when it seemed the pint-sized Smiling Shard (by Grinfromeartoear) had kicked away and was going to successfully defend his Crown title of last year, Devil Dodger unleashed from a three-wide trail to snatch victory in the last two strides.

Another Kiwi, Courage To Rule, who only slipped into the field as first emergency with the scratching of Composed, improved on his semi-final flop to run third.

Kiwi raiders also won another three finals at yesterday's $1.56 million meeting. They were young trotters Paramount Geegee and Miami H, along with awesome three-year-old pacing filly De Lovely.

Brent Mangos paid tribute to trainer Brian "Bunty" Hughes after Devil Dodger improved on a lacklustre second in his semi-final to overcome a wide draw in the big one.

"He just didn't feel himself when I drove him in the semi, but Brian's turned him around in nine days," Mangos said. "He's a really nice horse and, looking back, I think it helped him coming through the slowest of the semis."

Devil Dodger's win continued Mangos' proud Crown record. He has also won finals on former top filly Molly Darling and young trotter Tuhimata Glass.

"This is what it's all about, coming over to these carnivals where the best from both sides of the Tasman meet. It's a big buzz," Mangos said.

Smiling Shard was the run of the race after circling the field mid-race to take the lead and running his last mile in a staggering 1min54.2sec.

EMERGING star Villagem (by Village Jasper) will be set for the Miracle Mile, Victoria Cup and the Christchurch Inter Dominion in March-April, following his win in the Crown final for four-year-old males.

The David and Lisa Miles-trained pacer worked around to take the lead mid-race then zipped home in a 56.3sec last 800m, including a 26.8sec closing quarter to beat a gallant El Padrino, who led and took a trail.

"It's been a great finish to a big season with a horse who could be a life-changer to us," David Miles said. "Winning the Chariots Of Fire was one of our biggest thrills and to add this is fantastic."

Courtesy of Adam Hamilton (Herald Sun)