Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 62457 Shootoose

The decision by Aaron Bain Racing to target the two-day Mildura Cup carnival stuck gold first up with a brilliant victory by Shootoose.

Scoring a last-stride victory in the Mildura Gateway Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m), Shootoose also gave the training partnership of Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor their first interstate success.

The six-year-old, a $31 chance, settled second last early for jockey Taylor Johnstone before being brought to the outside in the home straight.

The gelding steadily reduced the margin on the leaders arriving to score a short half head win from Mistavain ($19) with Neon’s Last ($11) a long neck away third.

Trainer Aaron Bain said Shootoose may have postponed retirement with his win.

“We put the tongue tie on today,” Bain said.

“He was here in Mildura to retire.

“One last effort and he has done well, so he might still retire a winner.

“He went terrific today and defied the early track pattern.

“He went super and a great ride by Taylor (Johnstone).

“We will take him home and on today’s showing maybe there is another run or two in him.

“Maybe a 1400 metre race on a suitable track if we can find one.”

Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone said she he not been surprised by Shootoose’s win.

“His last couple of runs have been a bit disappointing,” Johnstone said.

“However, I jumped him out on Monday, and he gave me a really lovely feel.

“If he was going to win, he went in to today 100% right.

“I was a little bit worried when he jumped a bit slow from the gates, but I was patient, and it worked out well.

“I knew I was travelling into the corner really well, but I wanted to be as patient as I could on him.

“I didn’t want him to hit the front too early because he is a bit of a thinker.

“It was a tight finish, and he did a good job to stick his neck out.”

Shootoose has won four races from 14 starts since being bought online by Aaron Bain Racing collecting $98,575 to more than justify his purchase.