It might not have been part of the plan, but Clayton Gallagher's decision to make a break for it with Promesa halfway through Thursday's second race of the day at Narromine Turf Club made all the difference.
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The Bryan Dixon-trained Promesa scored just a second win 21 career starts in the Soul Food Depot and Gallery Class 1 and Maiden Plate (1600m).
It was Gallagher's mid-race move from midfield that proved decisive, as Promesa sped around the outside before taking the lead as they entered the straight.
The move caught the rest of the field unawares and by the time they went up a gear it was too late, as Gallagher and Promesa ($3.80) had kicked clear on the way to winning by almost five lengths.
"He took off at the 800m, which he shouldn't do," veteran trainer Dixon laughed to Sky Thoroughbred Central.
It all worked out in the end though, as a recent seven-week freshen-up continued to show benefits.
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Promesa returned to the track at Sunday's Gold Cup meeting at Dubbo and his fifth-placed finish in a benchmark 58 event had plenty of merit.
"He had a few hard runs over the 2200m and that so he got a freshen-up and then he ran well at Dubbo last time," Dixon added.
"He came from last and ran fifth in a (benchmark) 58 so he was back in grade today and back with Clayton on him.
"He's had three rides on him now and he's had a win and two seconds with him."
Gallagher last rode Promesa on June 27 when they finished second while he was also in the saddle for the breakthrough win at Mudgee in May.
Step'N'Dollars ($18) sat towards the front of the pack for the entire journey and finished second for Coonamble trainer Andrew Bayley while Polished Penny ($13) was third for Mark Milton.
The win for Promesa came after Newcastle galloper Mr Magsman ($13) scored a boilover in the first.
All the rage pre-race was about $1.55 favourite Sole Heir but the Cody Morgan-trained hope never got into the event after settling last early on.
The third race of the day, the QUBE Agri Benchmark 58 Handicap (1600m), was won by Wellington trainer Karen McCarroll and Lady Riz.
A little like Promesa, Lady Riz made a move around the outside as the field approached the turn from home and pinched the lead.
Lady Riz ($8.50) powered clear and went on to win by two-and-a-half-lengths from Garry Lunn's consistent performer Ollivander ($3.70 favourite) and Nepenthes ($26).