Raw-boned three-year-old Rawmaterial hinted he could be a future open handicapper in the making after overcoming some home straight traffic issues to register a notable victory at Riccarton on the weekend.

The lightly raced gelding showed his penchant for his home surface as he made it win number three from just six starts with each of those wins coming at Riccarton. Handled beautifully by visiting North Island rider Leah Hemi, the Falkirk gelding travelled sweetly at the rear of the eight-horse field that contested the rating 75 1400 metre event before Hemi asked him to improve between runners on the point of the home turn.

Things got a little sticky at that point with Rawmaterial blocked behind the weakening leaders as race favourite Waylay made her bid for glory. Hemi didn't panic as she moved her mount across heels to follow Waylay through the gap before producing a resolute finish to down the favourite in the shadows of the post.

Trainer Les Didham was a happy man when interviewed after the race as Rawmaterial returned to scale to the boisterous cheers of his large group of owners.

"He's a good horse in the making and I've said that all along," he advised.

"He's one of those horses that has just got better and better as he showed us bugger all early on.

"I said to the owners about eighteen months ago that when brains were given out he was standing behind the door but he has just gotten better and better."

Didham was quick to sing the praises of Hemi who has been aboard the horse for his last two wins.

"Leah is riding him great as he hasn't been easy to ride or to do anything with," he noted.

"However, in the last few months he has improved out of sight.

"I reckon in February or March next year you will see a real good horse. He raced on firm tracks when he was at the trials and just learning so I don't think good ground will bother him at all.

"I'd love to see him at the Cup meeting in November, which is our pinnacle event in the South Island, so that's our main goa