Race 1: Raelene Boyle Outreach Program Benchmark 75 Handicap - 2200 Metres
1st - Sir Barnabus - Jason Edwards - Michael Cahill
2nd - Meteorologist - Marcus Wilson - James Orman
3rd - Urban Ruler - Chris Munce - Matthew McGillivray
Michael Cahill surged to the lead on Sir Barnabus at the 800 in what was a race winning move in the 2200 metre staying event, holding off Meteorologist and Urban Ruler for Jason Edwards in the first.
Edwards lauded the ride from Cahill, saying the gelding was an out and out stayer and the ride had given him every chance to wear them down.
"He's a down to the ground stayer, the plan was to make it into a real grind and he stuck on the best," Edwards said.
"I'm not sure how far he can go this Winter, but he loves his racing and if we can get a run I'll put him in The Gold Coast Cup (2400m) next week."
Cahill said he made the move when rac favourite Coral Coast pushed him three wide and tipped the four-year-old gelding to come into his own over the next 12 months."
"When I got flushed out I had a decision to make and knowing his staying ability chose to take him forward," Cahill said.
"I think he can definitely get further, he's relatively young for a stayer and we should see the best of him in about a year."
