Bendigo trainer Arthur Pace looks to have an exciting project on his hands, with rejuvenated seven-year-old gelding Raging Bull an impressive second-up winner at Echuca last Sunday.
Originally trained by David Payne and later by Mark Minervini, Raging Bull came to Pace’s stable with an impressive CV. Career highlights include a fourth in the 2021 Group 1 Victoria Derby and a runner-up performance in the 2023 Group 3 Manion Cup at Rosehill.
Surprisingly, last Sunday was just Raging Bull’s third career victory, as his consistent performances at the top level have kept his handicap rating high throughout his career. 
Utilising a 2kg claim for apprentice Brittany Button, Pace got the horse in with 61.5kg at benchmark 64 level, the lowest grade he’s raced in since winning his maiden. 
Settling last in the 1600-metre contest, Button was able to take a shortcut on the inside rail when the rest of the field fanned on the home corner. 
That proved the winning move as Raging Bull’s superior staying ability shone through and the horse outclassed his rivals to win by 2½ lengths, his $12 SP a luxury. 
With the confidence from that win under the horse’s belt, he could be one to follow stepping up to midweek metropolitan grade in the coming weeks.