The Peter Stanley-trained King Darota stormed home in the first at Towac Park on Friday in 1.24.63, stealing a fourth consecutive win from under Prettylittlefellow’s nose - the latter won at Warren, Dubbo and Gilgandra in its last three starts.

Having drawn the inside barrier Michael Travers rode an all but perfect race aboard King Derota, the top weight, settling into third on the rails after all six runners jumped perfectly.

With Prettylittlefellow controlling the race past the 800, 600 and 400 metre marks, Travers made his move with just 200 to go, getting the split and moving up on the leader quickly.

With the favourite primed to take the lead 100 out, jockey Anthony Cavallo gave Prettylittlefellow a kick up the straight, going within inches of holding off Travers and King Derota.

“It felt like he was going to win comfortably by a length or so, but the leader had a nice soft run and kicked on really strong, and made us work really hard for the win,” Travers said.

“We got away better than last start, bombed it last start, and hopped into the perfect position behind the leaders. He just travelled well throughout, it was just a matter of getting out at the top of the straight.

“He’s a tough horse though, and knows how to get past the winner’s post.”

The race was named after Irish jockey Damien Murphy, who passed away on January 28, 2007 after a fall at Wellington on Australia Day that year.

Travers said despite not knowing Murphy, the tragedy resonates with jockeys everywhere, making the win more meaningful.

“I didn’t know Damien, but whenever you’re riding in a memorial race there is always a bit of sentiment attached to it,” Travers said.

“You’re always out there to do your best, but I guess a bit more so in a memorial race.”