FIRST starter Rowillie was victorious on debut in The Swan Hill Holden Used Cars 2-Y-0 Pace over 1765 metres at Nyah on Wednesday.

Trained at Kilmore by part-owner/breeder Julie Mifsud and driven by her nephew Paul Weidenbach, Rowillie a gelding by Partywiththebigdog from Bo Ellan was driven desperately to lead from gate four, but couldn't cross the favourite Lombo Littlecharma (gate two) from the Jack stable at Shepparton.

Restrained to take a trail, Rowillie was inclined to over race badly and looked at one stage as if he may choke down when travelling so fiercely.

Easing three wide on the home turn after Madam Tingira from last had gained the upper hand from Lombo Littlecharma which found nothing when asked for an effort, Rowillie had the audacity to race away on straightening to record a meritorious victory in advance of Soho Eros (one/one) and Madam Tingira in a rate of 2-02.9.

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THE Swan Hill Holden New Cars Pace for C4 to C6 class at Nyah saw Doreen reinsman Nigel Milne successful aboard Swan Hill part-owner/trainer Mick Cirillo's honest 5-Y-0 Million To One/Waratah Way gelding Master Waratah.

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THE Kilmore combination of Tony Peacock and Damian Wilson extended their season's tally at Shepparton on Thursday, when 7-Y-0 Live Or Die/Seabreeze Franco gelding Win To Live scored in the W.B. Hunter Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2190 metres.

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CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Bolinda's Chris Alford and partner Alison on the arrival of a son - Samuel William born on Tuesday 23 February.

To help celebrate the new arrival, Chris provided the winner of the Central Goldfields Shire Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Wednesday in 4-Y-0 Village Jasper/Dreamworks mare Allegra, with Gavin Lang trusted with the drive.

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MERNDA trainer/driver Ian Dornauf made a long-awaited return to the winner’s list when Dawn Of A New Day/Sister Dancer colt Royal Verdict, on debut, landed the Devenny Payne Taxation and Business Services 2-Y-0 Pace over 2240 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday.

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Meetings for the week: Wednesday - Maryborough/Ballarat, Thursday - Terang, Friday - Cranbourne/Melton, Saturday - Bendigo, Sunday - Melton/Echuca/I-D Grand Final - Menangle, Monday - Kilmore, Tuesday - Ballarat.

Horses to follow: Falcon Doors, Mach Is Supreme, Panslilsweetheart, Zoro, Third Tee, Cradle Mountain, Silent Predator, The Rocket Band.