Cameo campaign ends on perfect note

WELL-BRED youngster Steam Machine finished his 'cameo' campaign on a perfect note during the weekend.

"Rushed" by Mount Gambier trainer David Drury to be ready for last Saturday night's Southern Stars Final at Globe Derby, Steam Machine won the $25,000 feature with ease.

Immediately returned to a paddock, the son of Captain Crunch will enjoy a break before being primed for the Southern Cross Series in November.

"I was rushed to get him there, but he got there, which is the main thing," Drury said. "He's only worked with another horse once, then trialed and qualified, then raced here in Mount Gambier, which was to educate him sort of thing.

"I was very happy with his first run as he did every I'd hoped while finishing second against older horses.

"The Sales Final was obviously the aim with him and now he's already back in a paddock until the Southern Cross.

"There was supposed to be another Sales race on soon, but that has been put back to later in the year, so we will aim at that as well."

Driven confidently by Drury, Steam Machine was sent forward from barrier five to test the leader, Oaklander, from the 'death seat'.

Proving too strong, the gelding cruised to a 27-and-a-half metre win from Lardy Dah Lady.

Oaklander battled on to be 12 metres away in 2:01.8 over 1800 metres.

"It was a bit hard to get a guide on him from that race as it wasn't the strongest field, but he shows plenty of potential," Drury said.

"He's got speed and a bit of bottom to him, so based on what he has shown so far, I expect him to go a fair way."