Coming into the meeting on 99 wins for the season, Painting went through the special mark in the opening race.

Picking up a drive for David Micallef, Painting just held on to score with Tromso.

The 35-year-old was pleased to bring up the mark for the second season in a row.

"I'm super happy about that and it is a bit of a reward for all the travelling we do throughout the year," Painting said.

"It's the third one now and I never, ever thought I would get back there to be honest but I've driven a few nice horses.

"Dave (Kennedy) has had a nice stable and everyone else has put me on some decent horses all helps.

"You have to have a lot of luck as well and I've had a bit of that."

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Tromso ($10) held off the fast-finishing Alice On The Beach ($8.50) to win by a head.

Painting thought getting some clear air out in front made a real difference.

"He can run a good race in front and when I copped no pressure I was thinking down the back that I was a big hope here," he said.

"He got a little bit tired up the straight but to his credit he dug in and did find the line pretty good in a pretty slick last quarter."

While cousin Blake Jones was the first Riverina reinsman to bring up the century, after his success on Friday, it is Painting who is set to take out the Southwest and Riverina premiership.

Tromso's win was the first of a double for Micallef.

After finishing third behind Tromso with Majoress Jujon, later on the card the Young trainer combined with son Blake to win aboard So Much Bettor.

The five-year-old inflicted defeat on Nerano for the first time in seven Australian starts after taking out an action-packed affair.

Despite the loss Nerano lost no admirers despite finishing second after being forced two make to runs from the tail of the field.

However he couldn't run down So Much Bettor, who claimed a 4.3-metre win.

The double brought up a milestone for Micallef as well - career win 200.

"I'm very happy with that and it's a good way to finish the season as we will pull the pin now until the new year and they were our last runners for the season," Micallef said.

"We went out on a good note."