The Darren Weir-trained Red Choux's notched his third victory when successful at Sandown on Wednesday.
The four-year-old son of Jimmy Choux was
perfectly ridden by Brad Rawiller to win the Blue Star Print Group Handicap (1600m)
and has been a model of consistency for connections, boasting a podium finish
in 12 of his 14 starts.
"He got a good start and there was really nice flow-on speed that first three or four hundred metres and Brad just got the perfect spot," stable representative Darren Murphy said.
"He was really tough right through the line and that's the credibility of the horse. He has always been tough – win, lose or draw and he's versatile on all ground. It's good to get a result."
Red Choux's is a graduate of Rich Hill Stud's draft at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale where he was purchased for NZ$75,000.
Earlier on the Sandown programme, former Kiwi galloper Our Libretto landed a betting plunge at her racetrack return.
The rising five-year-old was having her first start for 12 months when successful in Wednesday's Mypunter.com Plate (1400m).
The mare, who was having her first start for Begg after beginning her career with Tony Pike, was backed from $11 to $6 before charging home for a 2-3/4 length win.
Begg said a lot of work had gone into getting the mare into race trim.
"She had quite a few issues in New Zealand with feet and immature knees."
"(Owner) Jonathan Munz was a bit undecided what he wanted to do with her so he gave her a bit of time.
"She bulked on the weight and was up around the 600 kilo mark when she first came to me but we were able to trim her down nicely.
"I think she's a very exciting prospect going forward because if she can run up to her pedigree we can make some plans for her."
Begg said Munz went to NZ$400,000 to buy the O'Reilly half-sister to former handy stayer Epingle as a yearling.
The trainer conceded time may be against him for the mare to be a spring contender, but believes there's plenty of improvement to come.
"She's a city winner now which important, but some black-type down the track would be ideal," Begg said.
A half-sister to the Brendan and Jo Lindsay-owned Group One winning sprinter Griante also broke her maiden status when successful in the Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap (1200m).
Grand Wish, prepared by Griante's trainer David Brideoake, will be given the opportunity to head towards the better spring races following her narrow win.
Brideoake said whereas Griante was purely a sprinter he believed Grand Wish could develop into a talented 1600m-horse.
"She's got a good racing technique so let's see where that takes us," Brideoake said.
"We all like to aim at the Thousand Guineas. We're off-season now but she's an improver and a powerful animal.
"We'll space her runs, try and get a Saturday win and see where we end up."
Like Griante, Grand Wish wears the black and gold checks of Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who race the rising three-year-old in partnership. – NZ Racing Desk.
