A LONG term plan paid dividends when Julia Creek trainer Grant Wiles kept the prizemoney local from the North West's richest race on Saturday.
Wiles prepared Mains Power to win the $17,000 Artesian Express Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at the Dirt 'n' Dust weekend in Julia Creek.
It was the second time Wiles had teamed with jockey John Rudd to win the lucrative race.
In a thrilling finish, Mains Power ($13) reeled in the Jay Morris-trained favourite Cheers Browe ($3.20) in the shadows of the post to prevail in the tightest of finishes.
Cheers Browe led everywhere bar the finish line as Mains Power rocketed home in the final 50m to snatch victory.
Wiles said the win was a culmination of strategic planning to take out the richest race in the region, landing $11,050 prizemoney for the winner.
"A lot of planning and thought went into it," he said.
"We set her for this race, kept her big and fresh."
"She's a very handy little mare."
Wiles praised the efforts of his foreman Les Criddock and trackwork rider Sophie Norris.
Wiles said Norris had to return to England due to immigration issues but was adamant she would be back to continue helping the stable soon.
Wiles now has a handy record in the Artesian Express with cheap buys.
He bought Remington Steele for $1800 to win the 2008 edition of the race and Mains Power was purchased for only $1500.
The win was no surprise for Rudd who galloped Mains Power on Monday and was pleased with her work.
The former Cloncurry jockey has moved to Roma with his children but said he would return to racedays in the North West on school holidays.
Wiles said he would now head to Townsville to run Mains Power and didn't rule out targeting Cups races with her.
Prominent owners Linda and Graham Huddy unveiled another handy horse in the North West after High On Believing made an impressive debut in the region at Julia Creek on Saturday.
Trained in Mount Isa by Denise Ballard, High On Believing ($7) showed too much class in the Open Handicap (1200m) beating Tuatara by 2.3 lengths.
For a full gallery from the day click on the photo below.
Ridden by Michael Cullen, the five-year-old gelding by Pins, brought solid form from Melbourne and Sydney into the race and didn't let his backers down.
In the opening race, former North Queensland Cowboys player Aaron Payne prepared Zingy Girl ($12) to score a near five-length win in the maiden with jockey Stephen Wilson aboard.
Mount Isa trainer Philip Miller's success with Tap In Birdie continued, with jockey Tash Chambers cruising the $1.80 favourite to win the Class B event.
Prince Fireball ($13) scored in the Benchmark 65 Handicap for trainer Richard Simpson and jockey Rodney Sue-San.