Hollywood North’s trip up the Bruce Highway to Rockhampton reaped dividends on Saturday.
The seven-year-old scored a convincing win in an Open (1300m).
Ridden confidently by apprentice Leah Martin, the gelding surged clear in the straight to defeat odds-on favourite The Deputy by one-and three-quarter-lengths, starting at $3.10 in the small field.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick was pleased to see the Hollywood North return to the winner’s stall after a string of luckless runs this preparation.
“A drop in grade and a good ride from Leah Martin helped the horse regain winning form,” Kendrick said. “He’s been thereabouts this preparation without much luck,” he said.
“Hopefully, with that win under his belt he can return home and get another win on the board.”
Hollywood North settled just off the pace before peeling out at the top of the straight and finishing strongly, showcasing the turn of foot that has made him competitive in tougher company.