The glitz and glamour of metropolitan racing is not the kind of setting Kody Nestor normally finds himself in on a Saturday.
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"I'm normally heading to Gilgandra or Gulargambone or something like that," he said.
But the trip to Sydney was worth it for Nestor as Toulon Brook provided the up-and-coming Dubbo trainer with his first Saturday metro winner.
Nestor had previously won in the city during his time as a jockey, but Saturday's victory was a "thrill" for the trainer and his team.
Jockey Anthony Cavallo got Toulon Brook to produce an almighty final 200m to win the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1200m) from midfield at the Kensington track.
"I rode a couple of winners here a long, long time ago but this is my first winner training down here," Nestor said post-race.
"It's a good thrill."
The lightly-raced Toulon Brook has shown plenty of promise and after a strong win at his home track last time out he possessed a record of two wins and a placing from six starts.
Cavallo was in the saddle for both of those wins so there was no fear from the trainer in giving him the job in the city.
He settled midfield early in the $75,000 country-only feature after starting from gate seven while Alcatran ($11) and I Am Capitan ($7.50) from the Bathurst stables of Dean Mirfin were joined by Ellegant Ellen ($6.50) at the front of the field.
Cavallo managed to get to the rails and that shortest run combined with the light 53.5kg on his back had Toulon Brook right in contention as the field rounded the bend for home.
When the gap appeared Cavallo took it and Toulon Brook showed an impressive turn of foot on the way to winning.
"It's good to have one good enough to come down here and be competitive," Nestor said.
"Chocco (Cavallo) deserves a fair wrap, it was a good ride. I told him if he was going alright just hold him up as long as possible and when he got the run he sprinted right through.
"I wasn't afraid to bring him (Cavallo) down today. He deserved the ride and he's done nothing wrong with him. He's starting to get a good record with the horse."
Toulon Brook won by a length from the fast-finishing Zardoro ($5.50 favourite) while Alcatran was third.
The ride was the only one veteran hoop Cavallo had for the day.
"We let a few go and when there was a gap there we slotted in and got to the fence, which surprised me," the jockey said.
"But we took it and it was a nice run through from there on.
"It's fantastic for Kody. I'm in my twilight but Kody is kicking off and he's got a great set-up at Dubbo."
Nestor was also keen to pay tribute to owner Brian Croghan, who raced horses for Kody's uncle Peter when he trained from Dubbo.
"They stuck with Peter and stuck with me when I took over and it got me going a bit so I'm thrilled for them," he added.
Last week Nestor stated a spell would await Toulon Brook regardless of Saturday's result.
The Country Championships will then be the main goal next preparation, but another crack at a Highway event could also await after Saturday's strong showing.