Mazu has claimed back-to-back wins in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick, securing his second-straight victory in the race.

Reunited with Melbourne-based jockey Jamie Melham, Mazu ($4.40) settled just behind the favourite Ostraka and pounced in the final 200m once a gap opened. The six-year-old, who won the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 2022, surged to the front near the 100m mark and held on to win by 1-½ lengths over stablemate Coal Crusher ($9.50). Givemethebeatboys ($19) finished third.

This victory marked Mazu’s first win since last year’s Hall Mark Stakes, and trainer Joe Pride is already eyeing a return to Brisbane for the Winter Carnival.

“Mazu is a weight-for-age winner, he’s a Doomben 10,000 winner,” Pride said. “We’ll freshen him up and give him a couple of targets in Brisbane.”

Melham, who has ridden Mazu in three races, described the gelding as a horse that “decides” when to give his best. “It worked out perfectly today,” Melham said.