Kiwi-bred six-year-old Dirty Grin (NZ) (Zacinto) bounced back to winning form with a barnstorming late run to collect his seventh career victory when taking out the second event on the card at Flemington, the Benchmark 78 Rubaroc Handicap (1200m).

The son of Zacinto last stood on top of the podium when successful over 1214m at Geelong back in November last year but had failed to recapture that form in three subsequent starts since that victory.

First up of a freshen up from trainer Nick Ryan, Dirty Grin settled back in the 11-horse field for regular pilot Rhys McLeod before angling to the centre of the track to commence a run at the 400m.

Just as fellow kiwi-bred and race favourite Rue De Royale (NZ) (Per Incanto) looked to be striding to victory, Dirty Grin appeared on his outside and charged past in the shadows of the post to score handsomely.

Ryan had been looking forward to raceday after barrier draws came out on Wednesday and his charge had drawn barrier 10.

“I had a little fist pump on Wednesday morning when the barriers came out,” Ryan said.

“He’s a horse that really likes room and gets to the outside, while he likes being fresh.

“He had a week away (to freshen) and struggles to run 1400 (metres) so I haven’t done much with him.

“He had a very quiet jump out last week and less is certainly more. He’s very clean-winded and started perfectly.

“I think the key is to keep him fresh, space his runs and we’ll target another race with a jump out. Rinse and repeat.”

Ryan was also delighted with the ride by McLeod, who he has had a long association with.

“Rhys has a very good association with the horse,” he said.

“I think there is not a jockey who has ridden more winners for me than Rhys. We go back a long way and he’s a very talented human being in whatever he does, be it table tennis, football or soccer.

“When his mind is on the job, there’s none better and I love putting him on.”

McLeod was also pleased with the performance after completing his fourth win aboard the gelding.

“It was a nice win. He enjoyed a bit of cover and peeled out at the right time. Coming back in trip, he was spot on today,” he said..

“He’s stepped up to the mark today and it was good to see him hit the front and really go on with it.

“I was really pleased to see him win today and hopefully he goes to the next level and does it again.”

Bred by Ellerton Zahra Racing Pty Ltd, Dirty Grin commenced his career in the stable of Simon Zahra before transferring to Ryan in 2025.

He is out of the Sharkbite mare Pearly Whites, was bought for just $7,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Broodmare Sale at Karaka in 2017.

She is a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Travino (General Nediym) and a granddaughter of the stakes placed mare Mrs Soffel, the dam of multiple Australian Group One winner Rubitano (Rubiton).

Dirty Grin has now had 24 starts for seven wins, eight placings and A$265,015 in stakes.