Hit The Target made sure the almost 550 kilometre return trip was more than worthwhile as he won the $80,000 Bathurst RSL Club Solider's Saddle (1,400 metres).

The five-year-old Unlce Mo x Points gelding did it in impressive fashion as well, winning by 5.52 lengths in a track record 1:19.89 effort.

Brian Gentle was all smiles as he took a phone call from trainer Stephen Jones after watching the race unfold.

"One hundred percent it makes the trip worthwhile, especially because we weren't going to come over again," he laughed.

"It's a bit of a tough trip coming across, but some days it is certainly worth it."

Hit The Target lined up for the 27^th edition of the Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing Club's annual ANZAC Day feature as a $7 chance, his most recent start being a 17 lengths last in the Country Championships Final.

However, Gentle revealed they were still confident in Hit The Target after that run given the feedback given by jockey Robbie Doolan.

"We've always thought he was a good horse, he went around in the championship final last start and the heavy track didn't suit him," Gentle said. "He done too much work, but the jockey got off and said he should be winning the next start."

On Saturday it was Koby Jennings who was given the job of riding Hit The Target. He began fairly from barrier one and was worked along the rails into the lead ahead of Writing Unexpected.

Once in front he looked in control, leading by around a length as he turned for home. In the straight he found another gear and ran away from his rivals to pick up the fifth win of his 16-start career.

Second belonged to Zouologist (Chad Lever, $4.80) with favourite Regal Stage ($4.20, Winona Costin) a nose back in third.

"Once they left him in front alone like that today they were never going to catch him.We thought there was enough speed in the race that we were actually going to sit off them, but I looked up and he was out in front just coasting," Gentle said.

"He [Jennings] said he travelled easy the whole way and it was never in doubt. He said once they come around the corner it was bang, he was off and gone.

"As soon as they straightened up and he put two or three lengths on them, there was no way they were going to catch him."

Gentle said the next assignment for Hit The Target will likely be the $36,000 Gooree Cup on May 23. It is run over the same distance as the Soldier's Saddle.

"Samantha Clenton won a Highway [Handicap] on him and said she thought he'd run 2000 metres and at some stage we'll probably head that way," Gentle said.

"But while he's fresh and running like that over this distance there probably no reason for him to do that, we'll probably go to Mudgee."