Ridden by Brent Evans, Dismayed found the early lead and was never seriously challenged as he cruised to a two length win in the $5000 Open Trophy Hcp, (1600m).

Starting as the $2-favourite, Dismayed was racing for the third consecutive week in a row after finishing second at Corowa and fifth at Wagga at his past two starts.

Stein said the drop back in distance was his biggest concern pre-race.

"He was going from 2000m last-start back to the mile, which is always a bit of a worry," Stein said.

"That was his first try over the 2000m last week because he was just getting a bit dour over a mile.

"I thought it was a good run last week but he just went out a bit too hard and knocked up late.

"The jockey (Evans) said he had to get into the horse the whole race to keep his mind on the job.

"But he got to the lead and they left him alone in front and once they did that I knew it would prove hard for something to run him down."

Stein said he was surprised to see Dismayed start favourite.

"Southern Cross Bet was betting on the meeting and I thought Fromista would be favourite after winning its past two starts," he said.

"I was going to back my horse but when I saw it was only $2, it went around without me.

"But the bookies got it right."

Stein said Dismayed would race at Wagga next weekend over 2500m in a heat of the stayers series.

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