Win makes eight-hour round trip worthwhile

TAKING a punt on a long road trip paid dividends for James McPherson.

Making the arduous journey to Tabcorp Park Melton last night the New South Wales horseman was triumphant with promising freshman El Camino.

In what was a reasonable step up in grade for the son of American Ideal, El Camino blew his rivals away with a methodical performance.

"I was somewhat confident with him as he has shown he has a lot of ability racing close to home and his track work has been terrific," McPherson said.

"This was a rise in class for him though so I was keen to see how he would go.

"It's an eight-hour round trip but is well worth it when you come home with a win."

With McPherson holding the reins El Camino gained the perfect one-one trip from barrier five as Viking led and Dougs Platter raced without cover.

Dashing to the lead turning for home, El Camino sprinted to a soft nine-and-a-half metre win from Rocknroll Gig.

Cheerstolou was a half-neck away third.

"He got an ideal run and I felt as though he had them covered a long way out," McPherson said. "Once I pulled him out he just finished it off so well and I was rapt with the way he found the line."

Rating 1:55.3 over 1720 metres El Camino took his record to three wins and a third from five starts.

"I'll tip him out for a couple of weeks now then find what is around after that," McPherson said. "The Leeton Plate at the end of the year is what I will work him towards."