Joe Pride’s confidence in Headley Grange was vindicated at Rosehill as the gelding returned to form with a dominant win on a rain-affected track.

Disappointed by a sixth-place finish in the South Grafton Cup, Pride believed firm conditions were to blame—and Saturday’s heavy 10 surface confirmed it.

“I’m just glad to see him bounce back,” Pride said.

“I really felt that track was too hard for him… He doesn’t have to have them this wet but he enjoys tracks with the sting out of them.”

The $3.70 favourite, Headley Grange surged clear under Adam Hyeronimus to defeat Diamond Diesel ($20) by two lengths, with stablemate Estadio Mestalla ($5) in third.

Pride now plans to find another Big Dance qualifier for the gelding, who already boasts a Listed win on his résumé.

“I don’t think he’s a serious Group horse but I think he’s a really nice horse,” Pride said.

“He has already won one black-type race and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”