While not a prolific winner, Bestower has produced her finest effort when it counted, securing a valuable stakes victory in the Listed The Beauford at her home track in Newcastle.

This win was just her fourth from 35 starts and her first since winning in midweek grade last December. Trainer Kris Lees attributed the success to jockey Tyler Schiller’s decision to make an early move.

“He discussed before the race she often hits a flat spot, and he was adamant he wanted to get going before that to help her through it,” Lees said.

“I started to wonder, I hope he hasn’t gone too early here. But he knew what he was doing.

“She could have went another lap.”

The victory was the leading local trainer’s first in the staying feature, an event he nearly decided against entering the mare for.

Lees revealed that a benchmark race at Kembla Grange’s Gong meeting next weekend was also considered before they opted to take their chances in the Listed The Beauford.

“To win a stakes race with a mare and a Newcastle bunch of owners, they were rapt when we even decided to go this way,” he commented.

“We considered a benchmark 78 next week at Kembla, which she ran second in last year, but we went with the stakes race and gave her a chance in better company, and it’s come off nicely for her.”

Bestower delivered jockey Tyler Schiller the second leg of a black-type double, following his earlier win aboard filly Katoto in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) for Chris Waller.

Although this was Schiller’s first ride on Bestower this campaign, he had partnered her extensively in previous preparations. He admitted that he remained uncertain if his strategy to make a sustained run would succeed.

“When I peeled out at the 800, I still didn’t think she’d sustain it,” Schiller confessed.

“I knew she’d be strong late, but I thought there’d be something that would outstay us in the class. But with the weight, she’s done a great job.”

Bestower ($7.50) maintained a strong gallop down the centre of the track to win by three lengths from Doctor Askar ($13). Campaldino ($7.50), who had led for much of the race, finished third, another half-length adrift.

The $2.35 favourite, Savvy Spy, who was seeking his fourth consecutive win, finished sixth and over seven lengths behind the winner, failing to make an impact.

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