Age is not wearying Stawell mare Halcyon, who has started her seven-year-old season in some of the best form of her career.
Having resumed with an unplaced run at Mildura on the last day of the old season, the chestnut went to Echuca last month, where she ran second to The Donchess, putting the writing on the wall for Monday’s win at Casterton in the Alexandra House Sports Club BM58 Handicap (1400m).
In a patient display from jockey Holly McKechnie, Halcyon ($15) settled down midfield with cover, getting a soft run. 
Once in the straight, the daughter of Show a Heart showed a good turn of foot, unleashing a strong burst. 
Halcyon proved too good for her rivals, dashing clear to win by a length and a quarter.
Halcyon, trained by Dane Smith, has now had 36 starts for four wins, six minor placings and $57,578. 
Overdue joy for Jeff
Ararat-based Jeff Rogers was another Wimmera trainer in the winner’s circle at Casterton, in his case breaking a drought of almost five years. 
Rogers had Race into Town lining up in the Hamilton Flooring Xtra Maiden Highweight Plate (1400m), with Lee Horner doing the riding. 
Horner gave the six-year-old the run of the race from the box seat, travelling well and looming as a big threat before the home turn. 
Once balanced, the son of Bushranger relished the heavy 8 conditions, accounting for his rivals easily by half a length.  
The win was Race into Town’s first in four starts, and more importantly Rogers’s first winner as a trainer since Northern Gem at Echuca on November 20, 2012. 
Bronc in the big time
Big congratulations are due to Beulah’s Brian “Bronc” Shannon of logistics firm Shannon Bros. Bronc is a part-owner of last Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Stakes winner, Humidor.