Stampede has justified his clear favouritism at Doomben Racecourse this afternoon; jogging home to comfortably win the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m).

Gai Waterhouse saddled Stampede to a second-consecutive race win in this afternoon’s Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap. Photo: Daniel Costello

A smart winner of the Listed Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) last weekend, Stampede jumped from the barriers will in this afternoon’s Chairman’s Handicap and was second behind Chocante as the field passed the post the first time.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy elected to take up the running when the field rounded onto the back straight and settled into a lovely rhythm; setting only a fair tempo for the talented field of stayers.

Skipping clear upon arriving at the final straight, the High Chapparal entire never appeared in doubt and attacked the line well to finish more than two length ahead of closest rival The Chairman, who is sure to take plenty of benefit from this afternoon’s hit-out.

Having remained close to the pace from the outset, there was plenty of admire about Chocante’s ability to continue to the line to finish third.

Stampede has been a strong and consistent performer for Gai Waterhouse through his short but impressive racing career so far and added a fifth win in what was only his ninth start, with success in this Chairman’s Handicap.

The Chairman continued his impressive run of form when finishing second at Doomben this afternoon, having placed third in each of the Bravo Greg Miles Handicap (1600m) and Treasury Wine Estates BM90 (1600m) at his two starts prior.

Kiwi raider Chocante has been set for the major staying features during the Brisbane Winter Carnival and is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from what was his Australian debut this afternoon.

Fellow Kiwi horse Zambezi Warrior was luckless rounding onto the final straight, but later found clear running and placed fourth.