Brendon Davis marked his return from suspension with a bang at Fannie Bay yesterday.
Davis teamed up with trainer Gary Clarke to top and tail the five-event program aboard Bromley and It's Home.
There would be few better bred horses in the Territory than Bromley, a son of Zabeel out of Group 1 winning mare Dantelagh.
While his career has not hit anywhere near the heights of his mother, the eye-catching grey looks set to be a good earner for connections if his winning effort in the Robbie Cameron Life Membership Rating 58 Handicap (1300m) is anything to go by.
Davis stalked pacesetter Ekrum throughout and after making his move in the home straight, did not have to ask for much over the latter stages on the way to a half-length victory.
"He's not really handling the heat at the moment, but he won well today," Davis said. "He's a well-bred horse and he finally put it together today."
Davis produced a centimetre perfect ride to get the money in the Garrards Horse & Hound Rating 70 Handicap (1600m) with talented prospect It's Home. It's Home ($2.50 favourite) dashed for home from the 700m and withstood a fast-finishing Kingsford (Scott Hillebrand) to win by a half-neck.
There may be bigger things in store for the four-year-old, who has now won three of his past four starts.
The double saw Clarke cut the gap on Stephen Brown in the trainers' premiership, but Brown, who is in Melbourne with a string of horses, produced a good winner in Reflex ($7.50).
A smart Hillebrand ride ensured the six-year-old made it two wins on the trot in the Hawko's Rough Trip Tour Benchmark 73 Hcp (1200m).
The day's biggest cheer was reserved for Holding The Fort, the winner of the Vibe Darwin Class B Handicap (1000m). He charged home like The Ghan.
Seven Dragons was denied a win by a half-length, much to the delight of Holding The Fort's owners. They include 36 women who comprise The Good, The Bad and The Nag Syndicate.
The syndicate is managed by trainer Kerry Petrick and she wasn't alone when the winning photos were taken.
Desert Flare ($2.50 fav) was the day's other winner for trainer Louis Paech and jockey Carl Spry.
Story couresty of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
