The Smythes Creek trainer secured his double in consecutive races on the eight-race card, with Village Deputy producing a slick finish to score in a C4-C5 pace before Corleone held off a gallant challenge from David Murphy-trained Keepers Daughter to win a C1 by a half-neck.

The win was both horses' first since November last year.

Six-year-old Village Deputy has been an honest pacer for connections with nine wins from just over 50 starts, while Corleone is enjoying a drop in class from some of her group one level assignments last year.

The daughter of Red River Hanover finished last in a field of six in the Tasmanian Oaks in April last year before qualifying for the Victorian Oaks final, where she ran seventh. She has since gone on to win four of her next eight

starts.

- GREAT Western trainer-driver Grant Campbell thrashed his rivals in heat two of the Country Clubs Cup yesterday.

The favourite never looked in danger of defeat, opening up down the home straight for a 10-metre win.

The four-year-old has now qualified for the final of the C2-C3 series at Melton on Friday, March 26.