Trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor landed their first winner of the 2025/26 SA racing season when Stokomo proved too strong for his rivals at Morphettville Parks.
After a career-best 42 winners in 2024/25, the ABR trainers are keen to better than number this season, and a win at the second meeting is an ideal start.
Ridden by Todd Pannell, Stokomo ($4.80) scored a half-length win in the SkyCity Benchmark 56 Handicap (1400m) defeating Be Responsible ($3.90 fav) with Hard Leaf ($11) a long neck away third.
Pannell settled second on the winner before asking him to launch his claim shortly before the 200-metre mark.
Under the jockey’s hands-and-heels riding, Stokomo grabbed an advantage and held it to the line.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Stokomo’s win had been special.
“It was our first winner for Rob Hill Smith,” Bain said.
“Rob has as long history with the Barossa, owning Yalumba Winery, and her has a few owners in with him.
“We are very grateful for his support at Angaston Park, and to get one on the board for him is really good.
“Todd (Pannell) rode him a treat. There was a bit of speed battle early, but he was confident to poke through and race on the pace.
“He was tough late, and it was as good win. A tough watch the last 100 as they came at him, but he held on.”
Bain said Stokomo was a credit to the Cam Baker rehabilitation program.
“He spent a bit of time with Cam as he had a minor leg injury.
“Full credit to Cam and the Barossa Equine Clinic.
“Rob had the patience and when he ran really good first up, Rob said he just wanted to win a race to prove he had got him back.
“Hopefully he can win another one.”
Winning jockey Todd Pannell was impressed by Stokomo’s victory.
“It was a good solid win,” Pannell said.
“He was on-pace, and we ended up in the spot which we wanted.
“Last start at Mildura, with the blinkers on, he was a bit keen, but today he got into as good rhythm, relaxed nicely and was able to quicken off it.
“He took the reins at the top of the straight and hit the front himself. It was a good win.”