A superbly judged front-running ride by Zac Spain paved the way for five-year-old Tavistock gelding Pudding to score handsomely at Sandown over 1800m.

South Australian based father-daughter training partnership Richard and Chantelle Jolly brought their charge to Sandown after four Morphettville starts this campaign and Pudding delivered in emphatic style in the Benchmark100 contest.

Spain dictated terms to his rivals and when he asked him for an effort in the run home, Pudding fought hard to hold out the challenges of race favourite Highlights and fellow kiwi-bred runner Smokin Romans for a comfortable victory.

“He has been great ever since he got here. We arrived on Friday morning and he has been bouncing out of his skin,” said stable representative Rin Nagle.

“We were confident he could run well and that was terrific.

“I was pretty happy as he got a good time of it in front, it was a perfect ride and he couldn’t have done any better.

“I’m not sure what the boss has planned. They might freshen him up then bring him back but I’m sure they have something in mind.”

Spain was quick to admit his original race plan went out the window when Pudding jumped well and none of his rivals wanted to take on the pace-making duties.

“The plan certainly wasn’t to lead that’s for sure, it was to get cover on him.

“He just began so well and when I looked across there was no-one coming over, so I elected to take it up.

“I got him into a good rhythm and made sure I was building from the 600m, with the 54kg on his back he travelled well through the dip and showed a good kick.

“Off that win he can progress in Melbourne, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t bring him over again as every time Richard and Chantelle bring one over, they are in the money.”

Pudding is the second foal of Zabeel mare Christmas Day, a three-quarter sister to dual Australian Group One winner Reset and is closely related to former Australian champion two-year-old Assertive Lad and dual Group One winner Assertive Lass.

Purchased by the Jollys for $65,000 out of the Hallmark Stud draft during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka 2020, Pudding is raced by a large group headed by Seymour Bloodstock's Mark Pilkington and Darren Thomas.