Freedman, the son of prominent trainer Richard Freedman, scored his first city winner when Birdonawinningpost finished over the top of Cessnock galloper If You Think So by three-quarters of a length in the class 3 Highway Handicap (1800 metres).

The success came a race after Richard and Michael Freedman-trained two-year-old Stay Inside dominated the Pierro Plate.

"She may not be a Slipper contender but she's pretty close to that for me," Will told Sky Racing of his maiden metropolitan winner.

"She's probably one of my better gallopers in the barn.

"I've come down a couple of times. It's really hard to win these races. Country racing in general has become really competitive.

"There's a lot of good trainers and it's a privilege to take out one of these races."

Freedman worked for his father before going out on his own and setting up at Scone in the middle of last year.

"I spent a lot of time with my father, who's pretty well renowned for training stayers and getting them to get over ground, so I always thought horses that could get over a bit of ground were probably in my wheelhouse.

"Pat and Rob Crosby called me up as soon as I got my license and said we've got the horse for you.

"I didn't give them a lot of faith when she ran near last at Gosford first start but in the same prep she's now come out and won a Highway, so it's a big moment for them and me.

"It's really satisfying doing it for yourself. Chris Waller, when I left said the same thing, he said there's nothing more satisfying than winning a race on your own ticket and this is grand final day for me at the moment."

For the Perry stable, Pandano claimed the benchmark 88 handicap (1600m) - a week after promising stayer Sky Lab won at the track in the same colours.

Four-year-old gelding Pandano raced on the speed then hit the front with 200m to go before holding off Cisco Bay by a length on the line.

It was a fourth career win for Pandano but a first in town.

"Back to back Saturday winners so it's really good," stable manager Nathan Perry said.

"His work Tuesday morning was great, probably the best I've seen him work.

"The [wet] track was probably a query but as I said, he'a a very fit, very healthy horse, so very pleasing."

Also on the program, Never Talk gave Newcastle trainer Kris Lees and owners from the Newcastle Jockey Club staff a great sight when runner-up in the group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).

Stepping up to stakes level for the first time, the filly was near last on the home turn but relished the wet conditions and rocketed to the line to fall short to Every Rose by a neck.

Racing returns to Muswellbrook on Monday with a seven-event card originally scheduled for Newcastle.