The trainer-jockey combination of Bob Howe and Anthony Cavallo has been racing in these parts for many years and there's no sign they'll be slowing down any time soon.
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Cavallo teamed up with the veteran Mudgee trainer again at Wellington on Boxing Day and won with Byzantium.
A specialist sprinter, the six-year-old Byzantium won the Allendale Merino Benchmark Stud Handicap (900m) with relative ease in what was a good day for the short-priced favourites.
Byzantium ($2.50 favourite) won by a length from Call Me Trinity ($2.70) while Japingka ($4.40) was third.
Speaking after the race, Cavallo said it was always special getting a win for a trainer he's had such a long association with.
"I love it," Cavallo said with a smile.
"I was just saying I love for him, he's a good fella."
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Byzantium might only have had the three wins and five placings from 32 starts heading into Saturday but he's a proven customer and showed that in that sprint event.
Cavallo got the six-year-old away well from gate three and it was relativity smooth sailing from there.
"He's just a speed machine," Cavallo said, having ridden Byzantium 20 times previously.
"He jumps on the bunny and suits these type of tracks.
"He pulled up and I'm blowing more than he is. He's a lovely horse."
The victory was part of a race-to-race double for Cavallo in front of a strong and festive Wellington Boxing Day crowd.
He had previously ridden the Kody Nestor-trained Bizarro to a convincing first win in the R&D Glass Wellington and Dubbo Maiden Plate (900m).
Having recently arrived at the Dubbo stables of Nestor from those of Hawkesbury-based Brad Widdup, Bizzaro won at Wellington by more than three lengths.
Having failed to win in three starts for Widdup, Bizarro finished fourth on debut for Nestor at Dubbo earlier this month but proved far too strong on Saturday.
Cavallo got Bizarro ($1.50 favourite) home ahead of the Garry Lunn-trained Kallie ($10) while Don's Duck ($12) was third for Connie Greig.
The favourites dominated the meeting, winning all but one of five races.
There was no massive boilover in the other race though, as $3.20 chance Beaumains saluted for hometown trainer Peter Stanley ahead of $3 favourite Ellas Joy.
Other winners on the day were the Tim McIntosh-trained Little Miss Nic ($3 favourite) and Rodney Robb's Spinher ($2.50 favourite).
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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.
