Former Bathurst Gold Chalice finalist Stravinsky dominates field in return to Bathurst Paceway

In his first run at the track since his sixth placing in March's Group 1 event, Stravinsky ($1.20 favourite, Jack Brown) had it all his own way in the Welcome Bathurst Panthers Pace (1,730 metres).

The James Macpherson-trained runner had to do some early work to eventually find the front from gate five but once he did there was nothing the rest of the field could do to stop the Sunshine Beach colt, who would win in a mile rate of 1:54.9.

Classical Music ($5.50, Amanda Turnbull) and Leah Shannon ($51, Travis Bullock) filled the minor placings.

Having narrowly missed out on a shot at a NSW Breeders Challenge Final run Stravinsky came to Bathurst in order to get some confidence up and keep him race fit for his next endeavour.

Winning driver Jack Brown said it was ultimately Stravinsky's race to lose, given the class gap between himself and the rest of the field.

"He actually got a bit lazy in front but once the other horse got up outside him he really showed his class," he said.

"He's only led in one race before and that was back in Albury in a much easier race than what tonight's was. He had to do a little bit of work to get to the front and once he got there he relaxed, and at about the 600m when a horse came up beside him that's when he knew it was time to let down."

That challenge to Stravinsky came on the back straight when Key Defender worked his way from the rear of the field to the front of the outside line.

The seemed to get Stravinsky to click up into another gear.

Classical Music was rated by punters as the only decent chance of causing an upset in the race, and Amanda Turnbull's runner at least kept the favourite honest by sticking to his tail as they straightened for home.

But with a couple of taps from the whip Stravinsky was able to cruise home by 6.4m.

Stravinsky now has his sights firmly set on a NSW Breeders Challenge Regional Final - a series he will certainly be one to watch in, given his quality.

"He was really unlucky to miss out on the Breeders Challenge [Final]. He ran third in the heat and he didn't really switch on for the right week," he said.

"It's fair to say though that the real Stravinsky is here now."

Stravinsky will look to go one spot better than last year's regional final, where he was runner-up to Gemma Hewitt's Kashed Up.

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