Despite challenging conditions, Steady Ready claimed victory in the King of the Mountain at Toowoomba, securing his first win in the feature event at his third attempt.

Trained by father and daughter duo Tony and Maddysen Sears, Steady Ready had finished second in both the inaugural race in 2022 and again to Rothfire in 2024. However, the gelding came through to win the $750,000 1200m event in 2025.

The Sears’ decision to engage non-claiming apprentice Cody Collis in a race where senior jockeys were available paid off.

“He’s super talented and deserves this after running third in the first year and second last year,” Maddy Sears said. “Cody rated him very well.”

Steady Ready ($5) held off late challengers Russian Alliance ($19) and Millane ($4.80) to win by half a neck, despite concerns about the wet track.

“I’m so proud of the horse. He’s been so underrated,” Tony Sears added.

Collis, thrilled by the Sears’ loyalty, said, “For them to keep me on, especially with any other Brisbane jockey in the room, there’s nothing like that loyalty.”

Steady Ready will now target the Queensland Winter Carnival. Meanwhile, bookmakers favourite Cifrado ($3.40) finished a distant 25 lengths behind, with connections blaming the heavy track for the poor performance.