One of the biggest-sized trophies in the south-east of NSW is for the Defence Force Cup, which is run at Queanbeyan. Mass Exodus won the race a couple of years ago, and this year it was Reigning Rhythm’s turn.

Reigning Rhythm was having his seventh start for the preparation, and we were disappointed that he had not added to his winning record as he won three races in the south-east last preparation. Two placings out of his six starts indicated that he was not far off a win, and on this occasion, in a small field, jockey Kevin Sweeney had settled him back in last place.

With a slow tempo he whipped around the field to take the lead before the corner and kept going strongly to win the Cup by a length and a half.

One win over a staying distance pretty well pays for his preparation as he collected $13,200, including the BOBS Extra bonus.