Talented middle-distance galloper Beach Pad overcame a tough run to notch his third win for trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor since coming from Western Australia.
The four-year-old covered ground and held off a late challenge to take out the $65,000 Fleurieu Milk Company Handicap (2042m).
Ridden by Jason Holder, Beach Pad ($2.40 fav) scored by a quarter-length from Magnetic Edge ($9.50) with Smiling Assassin ($41), 1-1/4 length away third.
The four-year-old ran right up to his previous start when a gallant second to star three-year-old Party Crasher at Morphettville on May 3.
Beach Pad jumped from gate six in a field of nine and settled towards the tail of the field but was caught wide.
Holder allowed him to improve to be just behind the leaders turning for home, then asked him to go for home.
No sooner had Beach Pad found the front than the runner-up issued a strong challenge, but the ABR four-year-old responded to Holder’s riding to find the winning post in front.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Beach Pad was an impressive staying prospect.
“It was a lovely win, and he showed plenty of heart,” Bain said.
“He showed great fight after being three wide the trip.
“Jason (Holder) didn’t panic and let the horse be comfortable.
“Beach Pad was very strong late and deserved the win after covering ground.
“He has continued to step up and go to another level.
“We now potentially might wait three weeks and go to a 2500 metre race.
“There are certainly better races on the horizon for Beach Pad.
“Onwards and upwards.”
Winning jockey Jason Holder admitted it had been not his best ride.
“First place is great,” Holder said.
“You can put in a crook one and still win, that is what happened out there.
“I got one off the fence then another rider came up on my inside and I was three wide the trip but kept him balanced and didn’t panic.
“The horse did a terrific job, he is well trained by Aaron (Bain) and Ned (Taylor).
“He didn’t have soft run and what I liked about him was his determination when I asked him.
“If he wasn’t trying he would have given up, but he really fought on nice.
“He raced really well today.
“It was a good deserving win for Beach Pad.