The Roy Roots Jnr trained-gelding showed his dominance over the field early, powering out of the 11 barrier to be up racing in the one-by-one on the first turn in the 1980 metre race.

"He has got a bit of zip and does maintain the high speed all the way," stated Sydney based reinsman Leonard Cain, who was making his first visit to the Golden Guitar Paceway.

In the home straight on the first occasion Cain felt confident to encourage some more "zip" from Marty Major to take the challenge up to race leader Battle Chimes (Guy Chapple) before taking control of the race.

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The eight-year old then set the race tempo with quarters covered in 31.7 seconds; 29.8 seconds; 29.1 seconds and 29.5 seconds.

"We punched through pretty quick early just to maintain a spot and when they slowed up, we were able to get to the front which was perfect - he kicked on from there really well all the way," Cain said.

"He did it tough out in the front and we copped a lot of pressure but he proved how tough he is tonight."

Not long after taking the lead Art Major-Murgatroyd gelding had to sustain race pressure from the Ernie Mabbott-trained Tralee Rocks, driven by Brad Elder.

"Once he (Marty Major) found the front, he was strong and up on the bit. I thought then he would hit the line really well," he added.

On the final turn Cain once again asked for that "zip" from Marty Major.

"When I turned him on a bit more at the top of the straight, he really knuckled down," he said.

Cain felt there was only one danger over the concluding stages: "The horse trailing me around the corner (Battle Chimes) was the only threat but once we kicked at the top of the lane, I knew we had them."

Marty Major went on for a seven-metre win over Battle Chimes with Tygar (Joe Taffee) another seven metres away third with a mile rate of 1.57.8.

"I have heard a lot about the race so it will be good to have a look at the Nugget. I have driven a few horses for the Roots stables but first time behind this fella - the family have been great to me," Cain added.

After driving Pitch Perfect to a win at Menangle on Saturday night for the stable Cain picked up a second behind Overthemoon in the opening event at Tamworth before the Gold Nugget win.

A former Queenslander, he has made the transition from state to state with success as a reinsman.

"I was born and bred in Queensland and then came down to NSW a couple of years ago and haven't looked back since," stated Cain who passed comment on the Tamworth track.

"It is a good track - nice and fair."

Cherie Tritton was trackside representing her husband and trainer Roy Roots Jnr.

"It's a pleasure and an honour to win such a race like this at Tamworth," she said on accepting the Gold Nugget trophy.