The Ciaron Maher stable dominated the Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m), securing the quinella with Strawberry Rock winning narrowly over stablemate Promises Kept.

Ridden by Declan Bates, Strawberry Rock ($6) thrived in a genuine staying test set by Goldman, holding off Promises Kept ($3) to win by a head, with Alhambra Lad ($18) finishing third a further ¾ length behind.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull explained that the former import, now eight, found his ideal race conditions. “Strawberry Rock loves that sort of race with pressure from far out,” Turnbull said. “He’s a chaser, and if he gets to the front too early, he tends to float a bit.”

Promises Kept and Strawberry Rock had previously met in the Listed Summer Cup (2200m), with the former winning. However, Turnbull confirmed both horses would face off again in the Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 26.

Bates, impressed with Strawberry Rock’s staying power, said, “From the top of the straight, I felt like I was going to win.”

Bates expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Tasmania, adding, “If the phone rings again, I won’t be saying no.”