Junior driver Matt Anderson guided the Waimate squaregaiter to victory in his first drive on the horse.
A strong race tempo and suitable handicap were the key factors behind the victory, Anderson said.
"He began well and ended up nice and handy. The leader was bowling along at a nice clip, so it all fell into place, really.
"I think, too, the handicapping suited him today so he flew under the radar a bit."
The Craig and Josh Kennett trained 10yr-old has now won in each of the five seasons he has raced since beginning his career as a 6yr-old.
Saturday’s win was Valmagne’s 14th victory and came in his 158th start.
In his first sit behind the horse, Valmagne gave Anderson the feel of a trotter who
did not know his age, rather than the feel of a 10yr-old, he said.
"No, he didn’t feel 10. He went really well."
Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson triumphed in the Winton feature, the Wairio Cup, with Hope And Dreams.
Driver Nathan Williamson positioned the mare in a perfect one-one sit before launching her winning run on the home turn.
While Hopes And Dreams and Steiger fought out the finish, Craig Thornley was having a rocky ride behind third-placegetter and favourite Franco Tristan. Thornley was trying to balance himself on a malfunctioning sulky seat while doing his best to drive the favourite out.
Christmas may be all about reindeer or turkeys for some but in Roxburgh and Balfour it is about ferrets.
Less than 48 hours after Fiery Ferritt won at Forbury Park, his little half-sister scored at Winton. Fiery Ferritt and Ferritts Sister are trained by Geoff and Jude Knight at Roxburgh and raced by their breeder-owner, Kelvin Reed, of Balfour.
The duo were both reined to victory by Rory McIlwrick.
Whether Ferritts Sister can match her brother’s six career wins will depend on how her gait improved, Geoff Knight said.‘‘She has got a lot of ability but she has got a few wee issues with her gait, but if we can get on top of those she can go a wee way.
"It was great for her to be able to back up Fiery Ferrit’s win for Kelvin. He is a great owner. He has been with us for a long time now and is terrific to train for."
