Glen Boss returned to Queensland racing in a reflective mood after he won the Bernborough Handicap aboard Alma's Fury.
Despite boasting a glittering Group One resume which includes three Melbourne Cups aboard Makybe Diva, Boss has never forgotten his Queensland origins.
"It's always good to be back on my old stomping ground and I always seem to have a bit of luck when I come back to Queensland," Boss said.
Alma's Fury, the $2.90 favourite, travelled comfortably for Boss just behind the leaders before hitting the lead at the 300m and holding off Fillydelphia ($10) to win by a half neck.
"Drawing a good barrier today allowed me to put him in the race and it was a really gutsy win," Boss said.
"He's the sort of horse that hits a flat spot in his races and today was no different.
"I wanted to make sure I had him off the fence with clear air in front of him so he would be strong at the line."
Alma's Fury completed a hit-and-run mission for Paul Murray who decided to back the four-year-old up in the Bernborough after his close second to All Legal in the Villiers Stakes at Warwick Farm last Saturday.
"He's had wide barriers at his last three starts and we had to come interstate to draw a good alley," Murray said.
"This horse is extremely tough so I didn't think the trip or back-up would trouble him."
Murray plans to spell Alma's Fury before bringing him back to Queensland for the winter carnival.
"He's not a Group One horse but I'll look around for some suitable races around the mile to 2000 metres range," Murray said.
Robert Heathcote believes the 2kg Fillydelphia had to concede Alma's Fury was the difference between victory and defeat.
"I've said for the last five years they handicap Queensland horses more severely against the southern horses," Heathcote said.
"This mare has won only one race in the past year and she had to give two kilos to a horse that's been placed several times in Group races."
It is the second year in a row Fillydelphia has been narrowly beaten in the Bernborough but Heathcote is considering extending her campaign to include the Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m) on Australia Day.