The Graeme Rogerson-trained Shootoff revelled in the heavy conditions to win the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) effortlessly.
Shootoff started at $26 but proved too good on the wet track to win by three and a half lengths to Adelaide visitor Happy Trails ($8.50).
The Mike Moroney-trained Muirfield was third, a further two and three quarter lengths away.
Rogerson’s stable foreman Roger Elliott said they had always had a good opinion of the Duelled gelding.
“We had high plans for him, we took him to Melbourne for the [VRC] Derby but he just wasn’t strong enough then,” Elliott said.
“Now he’s much stronger and more mature.”
Elliott said they would sit down with the owners before making a decision on where he goes next, however he suggested the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in early June would be on the agenda.
Jockey Michael Rodd said that Shootoff “had the perfect run and it showed in the end.”
The majority of jockeys came back and said their mounts had failed due to the heavy track.
Nash Rawiller said favourite Fast Clip was never comfortable, while Tim Clark also said Needs Further floundered in the going.
In other news to come from the race, Praecido is likely to miss the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) after his lacklustre fourth.
The track was subsequently downgraded to a heavy (10) following the race.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
