Kessler (Angela Forster/Wanderson D’Avila) returned to his best form, which saw him win three races during last year’s Darwin Cup Carnival, with an all-the-way win in the Renew Your DTC Membership Handicap (1200m).
The Good Journey 6yo went straight to the front and had his rivals gasping a long way out, eventually reaching the line over three lengths to the good of Ankle Rolex, who ran on well, with I’m A Dreamer close up in third. He was timed to run the trip in a smart 1:08.74 for the Benchmark 54 grade.
In the second division of the BM54 1200m (bet365 Handicap), Rossanado, who was an odds-on shot, dug deep over the concluding stages to beat King Akeed and a game Field Of Praise by a half-length and a long neck.
Trained by Paul Shiers for a group of owners headed by wife Leola, Rossanado, with Aaron Sweeney aboard, trailed pacemaker Field Of Praise before issuing her challenge early in the home straight. She looked to be labouring for 100m or so but really knuckled down to get in the deciding stride.
The 4yo daughter of Toronado was winning her third race at her 13th start, and with five placings as well, has stakes of almost $71,000. She looks as though longer trips will be more to her liking in time.
Red Extreme, at her 16th career start and ninth in Darwin, finally broke her maiden duck by leading throughout in the Sunday Carvery @ Silks Special Conditions Plate (1100m).
Trained by Jason Manning and with Vanessa Arnott in the saddle, Red Extreme began fast and was never headed, holding out Tee Galleria, who chased gamely throughout, by a short neck. The first pair had the finish to themselves, with Sassy Abbey taking third almost four lengths back.
Story Courtesy Andrew O’Toole