Jockey Darren Gauci has broken through the pain barrier to steer improved stayer Rentarossa to victory in the Bagot Handicap at Flemington.The five-year-old gelding surprised trainers Terry and Karina O'Sullivan when he won at Caulfield last Sunday at $21 and they were stunned that he was able to win again at $20 in the traditional New Year's Day stayers' feature."I was a bit surprised last Sunday and even more surprised today, but the horse had done well during the week," Terry O'Sullivan said.

Jockey Darren Gauci has broken through the pain barrier to steer improved stayer Rentarossa to victory in the Bagot Handicap at Flemington.

The five-year-old gelding surprised trainers Terry and Karina O'Sullivan when he won at Caulfield last Sunday at $21 and they were stunned that he was able to win again at $20 in the traditional New Year's Day stayers' feature.

"I was a bit surprised last Sunday and even more surprised today, but the horse had done well during the week," Terry O'Sullivan said.

Gauci, 45, won on Rentarossa at Caulfield but had been unable to ride again until Saturday after injuring his leg in post-race fall from Gold In Dubai in the Christmas Stakes on Boxing Day.

Gauci said his leg was painful during the Bagot but Rentarossa gave him a good ride, taking the runs when they came.

"I am still pretty sore but I wanted to ride this horse today because I felt there was a little bit more improvement in him," he said.

Gauci said he felt Rentarossa had gone amiss early in the race when he was reluctant to take part in the event.

"He didn't want to go and I thought `Something's wrong here' but as the race went on he warmed into it nicely, creeping up and creeping up on the inside when the openings were coming," he said.

Gauci said that his leg was worse than he thought and he may need to take a longer break from the saddle to completely recover.

"I might need a couple more days rest, I don't know," Gauci said.

O'Sullivan said he was mystified by the improvement in Rentarossa who had finished with the tailenders in three runs in row before winning at Caulfield.

Stewards quizzed O'Sullivan about the improved performance at Caulfield but he could only offer the firmer track and some joint therapy at Ballarat as a reason.

He was no clearer about the gelding's resurgence after winning the Bagot which was his fifth win in 38 starts.

"He likes the distance but I have to tell you the truth, I am pretty bloody surprised," O'Sullivan said.

"We always knew he could stick a bit but he just seems to have really hit his straps.

"He is a tough little horse."

O'Sullivan said Rentarossa may be up to the Mornington Cup (2400m) on February 16 and even worth a tilt at the Adelaide Cup (3200m) in March.

"He is certainly going to run two miles so I think Adelaide is probably the way we will go," he said.