MAKING FRIENDS SHOULDN'T BE HARD

Still Be Friends made plenty of mates when as favourite he powered to a 3.25 length win at Benalla on Tuesday.

Sent out a $2.60 top elect, the son of Brazen Beau proved far too strong for his rivals when a classy performance in the 1400m maiden event.

"It's taken a while for the penny to drop, but that was an impressive performance," assistant trainer Ben Gleeson commented post race.

"That should give him plenty of confidence and he showed today his liking for a firm track which bodes well heading into summer."

The three-year-old gelding was a $480,000 purchase at 2019 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and owners A List Stud will be hoping their charge go on with it now after notching his first win at start four.

The win was also a great result for jockey Damien Thornton who continued his good form over the past week since returning from a long injury break.

"I am happy to be back and it's great to repay the faith when getting an opportunity from Danny (O'Brien)," Thornton said. 

Pic by Racing Photos