The prize money on offer for young stayers was the catalyst for Byerley Park trainer Paul Richards to take Mazzuro (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) to Victoria.

The trip paid dividends at Sandown on Saturday when the $41 outsider scored in the Ladbrokes Cash Out Handicap (2100m).

Ridden by Jye McNeil, Mazzuro defeated Mr Monaco (Monaco Consul) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Greycliffe (NZ) (Tavistock) a length away third.

“You race here for $22,000 and $25,000 in maiden races and he was running for $120,000 today,” Richards said.

“That’s a Group Two race back home so it’s not a hard decision to come over.

“We’ll enjoy the moment and make a decision tomorrow, but I’d say we’ll stay for a bit longer now.”

Richards said the trip to Melbourne has been the making of the gelding.

“He’s got better as he’s gone along and has the looks of a promising staying horse,” he said.

The father of Jamie Richards, who is preparing to take over as sole trainer of the large Te Akau Racing team in New Zealand, is moving to join his son at Matamata when he returns home.