One-time 2014 Melbourne Cup favourite The Offer has returned to the winner’s circle after taking out the Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury.
After settling at the tail, the seven-year-old benefited from a classy ride from Blake Shinn, who took off before the home turn to transform the race into a staying test.
“We wanted to be positive early, but it was evident I couldn’t be there,” Shinn said.
“With the weight I just let him settle and Campania was back on the inside and Dragon Flyer was pocketed away in front of me.
“I knew he was a staying horse and we had stamina on our side.”
It was the gelding’s first win since his dominant Sydney Cup victory last year.
The Offer ($8) carried 61 kilograms and gave up seven kgs to placegetters Dragon Flyer ($3.30) and Campania ($6) but was good enough to hold them off and win by a length.
Trainer Gai Waterhouse said on Wednesday the Metropolitan Handicap would be the likely target for the son of Montjeu, but didn’t rule out another tilt at the Melbourne spring carnival.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said he was hopeful the horse would show enough for another tilt at Flemington success.
“It’d be nice to have another cup in the stable,” Armstrong said.
