WHEN Jake Pracey-Holmes got Mr Dumont as much as six lengths clear in Monday's racing at Tyers Park the question had to be asked - was it too much, too early?
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The answer was no.
Mr Dumont ($6.50) led from start to finish in the Harvest Cafe 'n' Store Benchmark 66 Handicap (1808 metres) to give Dubbo trainer Kody Nestor victory with his new stable addition.
The winning Duke Of Marmalade gelding came down to Nestor's stable from Queensland and has obviously enjoyed the change of scenery, earning victory in his start since making the move.
Speaking to Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win, the Dubbo trainer stated the looming Narromine Cup on August 11 could be next for the five-year-old.
Mr Dumont was never really troubled in the straight on Monday, but Bluesbro ($6.50) fought hard over the final 200m to make a race of it.
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Jockey Grant Buckley had to settle for second, two lengths behind Mr Dumont, while Rock Sonic ($7.50) was the best of the rest.
Pracey-Holmes said the intention wasn't to try and gap the field but with his horse having a head full of steam he wasn't going to reign him in.
"The intention was to take the sit. We thought Tony Newing's (Rock Sonic) would lead it but he sat outside us for the first part of it," he said.
"With six weeks between runs he just wanted to get it over and done with. He was keen. I didn't want to fight him too much but I didn't want to let him run too much as well.
"I was trying to talk him down, and he wasn't responding to that either.
"I held him together when he straightened up and he was too good for them."
Rock Sonic and He's Elusive worked together to cut back Mr Dumont's margin inside the final 400m.
Disaster struck for He's Elusive as the field straightened for home, with the John Steinmetz gelding breaking down.
Bluesbro flew from the rear of the field to mount a late challenge but had far too much ground to make up.
"I think it was just the six weeks between starts that led to him doing that today. I think next start might take that sting out of him and he might have a bit of fun with this horse," Pracey-Holmes said.
"I don't know how to judge Queensland form against New South Wales form ... but a change stables can really do good things."
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
