The combination of trainer Paul Messara, jockey Craig Williams and Mahisara collected their second Group 3 $150,000 Ronald McDonald House Monash Sandown Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield today.

Mahisara wins back to back Sandown Stakes. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

The trio were successful last year when the race was run at its regular venue at Sportingbet Sandown but with major track renovations under way, this year’s Sandown Guineas – Zipping Classic day is being run at Caulfield.

Messara had Mahisara primed for his second Sandown Stakes win with a first up fifth to Richie’s Vibe over 1200m in the Listed $150,000 MSS Security Sprint at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

“The plan was to come down here and target this race and then go back to Sydney and head towards the Villiers and happy we were successful today,” Messara said.

“He is s horse with a lot of potential, just finding the right race.”

“It was a strong pace today and he hung on really well. If he gets a slightly slower pace and he gets his own way up front he can be very strong at the finish.”

Messara is certain that Mahisara can acquit himself well in tougher company but needs things to go his way during the race.

Messara has plenty of time to return to Scone and prepare the More Than Ready stallion for the Group 2 $175,000 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on December 14.

Williams gave Mahisara ($5) a great ride just off the pace and had plenty of time to run down the leader Lady Of Harrods who skipped clear in the early stages of the straight.

Runner up Go The Knuckle ($26) made up plenty of ground coming from last to be beaten three quarters of a length with Galah ($5)  filling third spot after having a nice run in the race.

Favourite Richie’s Vibe ($3.50) was always in the firing line but never threatened in the run to the line.