Returning as full-blown four-year-old, You Gotta Pay proves he's set to rule

The John Size-trained You Gotta Pay had been calling it out loud and clear at the trials that he would return a better horse this season, and the four-year-old made no mistake first-up as part of a treble for champion jockey Douglas Whyte, even if he had to do things the hard way.

You Gotta Pay had won his only run at the end of last season, but Size admitted the gelding had enjoyed a more thorough preparation for his resumption this time, despite some foot problems early on. 'There were a couple of issues earlier in the season but he's thrown them off and he has been quite strong at the trials,' said Size.

'He's had the benefit of another six months' maturity and it's fair to say he was more prepped for this than when he was able to win in June. He's a nice horse, gives you a good feel and he was there to be beaten today with a wide draw and big weight first-up, but won pretty well.'

Whyte said You Gotta Pay had improved each time he had been on him this campaign, and Size had even taken a slightly unusual step in allowing the jockey to ride him work last week.

'He's just a lovely individual, he does everything right and looks to have a very bright future,' he said.

Whyte began the day on fire, taking three of the first five races with You Gotta Pay, Supreme Win and Brave Heart, but failed to land a point thereafter and his Jockey Challenge supporters had to chew their nails right down to the photo finish for third in the final race before the Durban Demon defeated Brett Prebble on a countback.