There wasn't any point in the Furphy Refreshing Ale Benchmark 66 Handicap (900m) at Scone where Connie Greig had thought Squared had won.
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In the sprint event on Friday the Dubbo trainer's hard-working mare rounded the bench for home in second last spot and with a mountain of work to do.
She proved she was up to the challenge though, as Mikayla Weir drove the five-year-old on to a rousing finish.
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But even when she crossed the line alongside the John Ramsey-trained Dream Charge Greig wasn't certain.
"I was a bit worried at the top of the straight when she pulled the stick," Greig told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win.
"I went 'oh, I don't think we'll catch them' and I still thought we got beat on the line. It was very close."
It took a photo for $13 Squared to be named the winner ahead of Dream Charge ($3.70) while Mark Milton Escebee ($26) was third.
The win was a welcome one for Greig after Squared had gone close without breaking through in a host of previous starts.
She went into the event at Scone with three wins from 38 starts but she's been more competitive than that record shows.
This preparation has included placings at both Gunnedah and Parkes but the shorter distance at Scone suited her to a tee as she sat deep before flying home.
"She's been right there without winning but today's her turn," Greig added.
Friday marked the fifth time apprentice hoop Weir had ridden Squared and it marked the duo's first win together.
Squared may have won the event but much of the attention pre-race was another Dubbo horse.
The well-traveled Legerity is now in the stables of Kody Nestor and after winning on debut for the Dubbo trainer there was plenty of interest around the five-year-old at Scone.
He jumped a $4.60 chance and set the pace early asd Anthony Cavallo quickly got to the lead.
Weir and Squared settled deep after starting from barrier seven and Legerity a big lead heading for home.
But Weir had her mare on the outside and with nothing but clean air in front she made her move.
She was still second last with 200m to go but Squared lifted and pinched the win from a surging Dream Charge.
"That's her best pattern. She likes to get back and I think the 900 (metres) suits her because she can get back and get home," Weir said after the win.
"She's raced in really good races previously but has been knocking on the door without winning.
"But today she went really well."
Legerity was swamped late and finished in fourth.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
