It was fitting that Kody Nestor was the first trainer to secure victory with Risk And Reward since early 2018.
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Risk And Reward saluted at Dubbo Turf Club on Monday, taking out the Milestone Hotel Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m) in his first start for Nestor.
He had previously been trained by Terry Robinson but prior to that he was an exciting up-and-coming trained by Kody's uncle, Peter.
Risk And Reward was the last horse to race for the former popular Dubbo trainer, having caught the eye when winning two of his first starts.
He missed out in the older Nestor's farewell but after roughly a year on the south coast the now five-year-old gelding calls Dubbo home again.
Following a near year-long spell, Risk And Reward returned with a handy trial showing at Wellington on Boxing Day he scored a commanding win on Monday.
"I was pretty impressed with that," Kody Nestor told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win at his home track.
"He's first-up after a long spell and I think he's a horse who's really going to scream out for the seven furlongs.
"He did his job today but we'll go home and reassess our plans with him ... that [Country Championships] is what he's on target for. He's a horse that likes to stride along so that's where we're aiming.
"He'll win something alright this prep."
Risk And Reward burst on to the scene with Kody's uncle in early 2018, winning by five lengths at Parkes in just his second start.
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He caught the eye next time out, winning at class one level immediately after his maiden when saluting at Scone.
A disappointing tenth in his trainer's final race followed, before the switch to Robinson's Shoalhaven Heads stables.
Risk And Reward contested seven Highway events in the city for Robinson, with a best finish being second, before making the recent switch back to Dubbo.
The hulking five-year-old barely broke a sweat in Monday's win, sitting on pace before taking the lead at the top of the straight. With long, loping strides Risk And Reward ($2 favourite) went on to win by two lengths from Bee Double Bee ($9) and Mon Petite Fille ($18).
It was one of two wins on the day for jockey Jake Pracey-Holmes while Nestor won again later in the meeting with Bellszov Bourke.
The win was the second of Bellszov Bourke's career and makes him another in the running for a spot in the lucrative Western Racing Association Country Championships heat in March.
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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.
