Irenic ($2.10) smashed the track record by six seconds when winning the $25,000 Elders Insurance Mountaineer Cup Benchmark 70 Handicap (3200m).

Irenic justified his favouritism by dashing clear in the straight to score by six lengths from Run Huff Run ($3.50), with Grassini ($4.20) a further four lengths back in third.

Goulburn trainer Mark Gee was pleased to see Irenic continue his good form as he raced over two miles for the first time.

“It looked a nice race for him on paper, although it’s easy to say that now,” Gee said.

“He had to carry five kilograms more than the rest of them and he’s only a little thing so he’s ran well.

“I thought he looked the best chance out of that group to run the two miles. He had the best form.”

Gee will now send the seven-year-old to the paddock with the idea to return to Wagga next year for the remainder of the Wagga Stayers Series, which he now leads.

“He’ll go for a spell now,” he said.

“He’s had an excellent prep, that’s his fourth win.

“We’ll look at bringing him back for the 3800 metre race and the other staying races next year.

“He doesn’t like travelling in the heat so he can go and have a break now over Christmas out at Kooringal Stud and come back for that series. He likes the wet as well so that should work out well.”

Irenic’s win on Monday pushed him to the lead in the Wagga Stayers Series, one ahead of Run Hoff Run.

It is only early in the series with four of the 23 races held so far. The series concludes with the Riverina Cup (3800m) next August, which is worth triple points, and Gee is keen to target the race with Irenic.

Meantime, a successful protest helped Albury trainer Pat Widdup to a winning double at Wagga on Monday.

After Jounama Gold ($4.80) started his day off a winning note, Widdup landed a double when Benjamery ($9.00) took out the Raine & Horne Wagga Maiden Handicap (1200m) on protest.

The Gary Colvin-trained Coolyboss ($4.80) was first past the post by a half neck margin but caused significant interference to Banjemary inside the final 100 metres which stewards deemed to have cost him the race.

Widdup was confident in the protest.

“I thought we were a big chance when you see the film,” Widdup said.

“The horse has a lot of ability but is still green.”

Jounama Gold broke through at start number 17 to win the Murrumbidgee Music Muster Maiden Plate (1600m).

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