When Zac Spain saluted on five-year-old gelding Suizuro, it marked back-to-back victories for trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young in the $125,000 race after taking out last year's edition with Brayden Star.
While Daniel Moor rode Brayden Star to an easy win in 2023, Spain was made to work for his victory, with the runner-up, the Ciaron Maher-trained Too Close The Sun, less than a length behind.
Brayden Star was far from disgraced itself in its title defence, taking the final spot on the podium in third.
Not satisfied with the two victories, Young confirmed that the stable would return next year to attempt a hat-trick.
“We love heading out to country tracks such as Benalla, and so do the owners, so we will definitely be back next year,” she said.
The win was the stable’s 12th this season, including victories at Mooney Valley, Sandown, Caufield, Bendigo and Benalla.
The win is Spain's seventh win in a season that has seen him take successful at Benalla, Pakenham, Moe, Mornington, Tatura, Warnambool and Morphettville in South Australia.
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