A stewards' update on the state of the Doomben track proved a recipe for success when revitalised galloper Pepperwood spaced his rivals in the $200,000 Bernborough Handicap (1600m) on Sunday.Pepperwood skipped through the mud to score a 2-3/4 quarter length win after securing a dream inside run rounding the home bend.Experienced rider Glen Colless said he followed stewards' advice in his decision-making process."Before the races the stewards said the inside would be the best part of the track so

A stewards' update on the state of the Doomben track proved a recipe for success when revitalised galloper Pepperwood spaced his rivals in the $200,000 Bernborough Handicap (1600m) on Sunday.

Pepperwood skipped through the mud to score a 2-3/4 quarter length win after securing a dream inside run rounding the home bend.

Experienced rider Glen Colless said he followed stewards' advice in his decision-making process.

"Before the races the stewards said the inside would be the best part of the track so I when I drew the inside I just followed their advice," Colless said.

"They don't often get it wrong."

Pepperwood ($7) relished the heavy conditions after travelling on the rails well off the speed and the recently gelded six-year-old exploded in the straight to score his eighth career win and take his prizemoney past $800,000.

Gold Coast gelding Jazz Heart ($7) ran bravely to finish second with Tagus ($5.50) a further 1-1/4 back third.

Well-supported favourite Listen Son ($3) laboured in the conditions after travelling just behind the leaders throughout to finish a well-beaten eighth.

Winning trainer Liam Birchley said he faced a straight-forward decision with Pepperwood after the horse's previous preparation - either geld him or retire him.

"You couldn't do anything with him as a stallion and he was getting harder to handle," Birchley said.

"It was either geld him or finish him and he wasn't going to be commercial as a stallion so really it was a simple decision to make."

Birchley said he wasn't concerned about Pepperwood's ability to handle the heavy track despite his form indicating he was more adept on a dry surface.

"He ran third in the QTC Guineas as a three-year-old and the track was worse that day," Birchley said.

Birchley said Pepperwood would now be aimed at the $200,000 Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m), a race he won two years ago.

"I am hoping the handicapper is kind to him. He won easily today but the margin was flattered by the wet track," Birchley said.

The Doomben meeting was cut short when heavy rain fell before the final event, making the track unsafe for racing.