Trainer Rod Northam was “hoping” for a good result with the four-year-old yesterday, particularly after his last-start “disappointing” effort at Eagle Farm 16 days ago.

“He was favourite today so I was hoping he’d live up to that,” Northam said.

In claiming his fourth career win from 14 starts, Conroy’s Gap (Robert Thompson) stormed home to beat Rioqualo (Ken Dunbar) by a long neck, with Twin Zero (Hannah Martin) a further long neck away in third spot.

His dash over the 1200m journey was in 1min.08.8sec, just outside the standing class record.

Yesterday was the gelding’s third start back from a spell, something  Northam considered to be in his favour.

“We took him up to Eagle Farm. It was a nice race but he was a little disappointing there, probably because it was his second run  back.

“I think he really needed that outing – he was fitter, actually spot on today.

“He moved up to them well turning for home and hit the front about 50 metres out.

“He drew well, raced nicely, and Rob rode him a good race.”