Simpson’s stayer outclassed Todd Austin-trained Secrets ($5.00) and Tanya Parry-trained Don’t Think Do ($26.00), storming home in first place by more than a length in the 1800-metre distance.

The six-year-old gelding, ridden by Shane McGovern, claimed its first victory of the year after being sent out at $5.00 for the $25,000 race at McKinlay Race Club.

Race favourites Steven Royes-trained Bolton ($3.50) and Charlie Prow-trained A Dependant ($4.60) were nowhere to be seen in an astonishing feature race at the weekend.

The opening race of the six-race meet was the 800 metre Maiden Plate won by Grant Wiles-trained Words and Pictures ($6.00), who narrowly beat race favourites Good Mood ($2.30) and Payola ($3.00) by less than a length.

Mount Isa trainer Denise Ballard claimed her first win of the day in the Benchmark 65 Handicap (1400m) with Eskervinth ($11.00), ridden by Keith Ballard, who beat More Than Willing ($5.50) on the nose, followed by Month Of Sundays ($26.00).

Julia Creek trainer Kerry Krogh notched a win through What The Heck ($11.00) in the Class 2 Handicap (1200m) crossing over the line first before Ken Laffin-trained Tavy Nights ($10.00) and Tanya Parry-trained Diurnal Tiger ($21.00) by less than a length.

Surpasser ($7.00) took out the Benchmark 75 Handicap (1000m) for Parry ousting race favourites David Smith-trained Tabasco Force ($2.20) and Jim Jackson-trained Steinburg ($3.60).

Mark Oates-trained Hoffenhorry ($3.00) stayed true to its price in the Benchmark 55 Handicap (1000m) thrashing the rest of the field with Fouaree ($6.00) and Desert Sweep ($17.00) taking up the minor placegetters.