Trainer Mitch Beer has set his sights on the Albury Gold Cup carnival riches with Swagger after he demolished his rivals at Albury on Friday.
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A recent purchase from New Zealand, Swagger notched his first win since joining the Beer stable in the $22,000 Benchmark 58 Hcp, (1400m) with Jordan Mallyon aboard.
Mallyon sat well back in the field and benefited from the leaders setting a solid tempo.
Swagger showed an impressive turn of foot to quickly gather in his rivals and careered away for a soft win by a length over My Prince Charming ($6.50).
The victory sent favourite backers home on a high after Swagger was well supported in betting and backed from $3.70 into $2.70.
Beer said he would now target the $50,000 Country Magic Class 3 Hcp, (1500m) on Albury Gold Cup day.
The leading trainer revealed Swagger was a cheap purchase at $17,000 and had already covered his purchase price after also notching two minor placings since arriving in Australia.
"He is just a lovely little horse and he is still learning his craft," Beer said.
"I was worried how far back he was going to get in the run but with good speed in the race, Jordy (Mallyon) was able to give him a 10/10 ride.
"Jordy was telling me all the things he was going to do and I said the more you talk, the more nervous I'm getting."
Beer paid tribute to his contact in New Zealand who suggested he purchase the horse.
"Credit has to go to Dylan Johnson in New Zealand who rang me and suggested I buy the horse," he said.
"He was a nice little purchase at $17,000.
"There is a nice little race for him over the Albury Carnival that I have been getting him ready for since he hopped off the plane.
"I love buying these cheap little New Zealand tried horses.
"They seem to thrive when they get here with the different climate and feed and seem to improve with each run."
Meanwhile Albury trainer Martin Stein combined with jockey Brodie Loy to take out the $22,000 Class 1 and Maiden Plate, (1600m) with Cracking Dawn.
The five-year-old mare notched her second career victory and scored at the juicy odds of $14.
Favourite punters got off to a bad start after the James Ponsonby-trained Hot Bahama failed to run a place as the $1.55-favourite.
The Albury Racing Club will now turns its focus to the two-day Albury Gold Cup carnival starting on March 18.
Beer was impressed with the condition of the track.
"Credit to the club, this track is absolutely spot on and the surrounds are looking super and the club is due for some luck."
