The St Arnaud Cup is staying in the Wimmera, with Aftermath leading from start to finish in last Saturday’s feature. 
The Paul Preusker-trained $2.35 favourite was given a sweet time in front by veteran hoop Linda Meech, challenged on the home bend by second favourite Regal Lion ($3) before pulling away to record a strong 2¼-length win at the end of 2000 metres. 
Regal Lion faded to finish fourth, behind placegetters  Saveadateforme ($9.50) and Verona Rupes ($4.80), who was best of the closers. 
Saturday marked a third race start in 15 days for ex-Kiwi gelding Aftermath, who was runner-up in the Horsham Cup the previous Sunday, following a sound effort in the Hamilton Cup eight days prior. 
It was the seven-year-old’s first victory from 11 starts since joining the McKenzie Creek yard early in the year, but his go-forward racing pattern will see him competitive in more country cups over spring/summer, starting this Saturday at Mortlake.
Black-booker
One runner to follow from St Arnaud is the Matt Cumani-trained Intervened ($5.50), who nearly spoiled the party for favourite punters in the 1550-metre maiden. 
Girt By Sea, widely tipped as the good thing for the day at $1.50, was taken straight to the front by Linda Meech, who could’ve been forgiven for thinking it would be a procession from there on in. 
However, when Intervened did as his name suggested approaching the home bend, the race was on in earnest and Mark Walker’s mare had to pull out plenty to regain the lead and eventually hold a three-quarter-length margin on the line. 
Cumani’s stable newcomer (ex-Ciaron Maher) showed plenty of fight and you’d think he will prove mighty hard to beat in similar company next time out. 
Wych pickings
Derby day in the bush returns when Wycheproof explodes for its once-a-year cup meeting on Saturday, the 1800-metre feature carrying $40,000 in prizemoney.