Race favourite Dal Cielo (NZ) (Per Incanto) led all the way win the Matthew Dunn Racing Handicap (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Newcastle Trainer Kris Lees had also entered Dal Cielo for the Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick.
Stable representative Mel Eggleston said Lees had thought seriously about keeping Dal Cielo in Sydney.
"But in the end this race looked more suitable and Dal Cielo probably needed to win," Eggleston said.
“Dal Cielo will probably head back to Sydney now."
Jockey Ryan Maloney said Dal Cielo had led easily but showed a lot of heart when challenged in the straight. -AAP