Bjorn Baker's boom three-year-old Winning Rupert claimed a healthy $500,000 bonus in scoring a record-breaking victory in Saturday' Group III Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
With regular jockey Jeff Lloyd in the saddle, Winning Rupert ($1.10 fav) jumped quickly to lead on the rails and after absorbing some pressure during the run, showed his customary acceleration turning for home, scooting away to win by three lengths.
The winning time of 1.15.07 smashed the previous course record by 1.68 seconds.
The Les Ross-trained River Racer ($21) tried hard in finishing second with Billy The Kid ($18) for the Meagher stable a further long neck away in third.
The victory extended the son of Written Tycoon's record to five wins from five starts and earned connections a cool $500,000 bonus as part of the Queensland Summer Crown series.
"I've locked in a couple of renovations for the house and I didn't know how I was going to pay for them," Baker said.
"It was great to see him continue that vein of form. He's a nice horse and it was good to see him do that way."
Sportsbet reacted to the win by cutting Winning Rupert's odds in the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 14 into $1.80.
"He's still got to go up against some A-graders but it was a good win and hopefully he comes through well for the Magic Millions," Baker said.
