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A sluggish start was not enough to thwart Red Rover’s bid in racking up a second consecutive win in the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1000m on Sunday.

While the O'Reilly five-year-old jumped on terms at his maiden win in a 1000m speed dash at the beginning of August, he left the gates a touch in arrears this time around.

But Azhar Ismail, who has partnered the Fortuna NZ Racing Stable-owned galloper at all his previous three runs, did not panic and rode him with supreme confidence.

With the brisk pace set by Sierra Conqueror (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) at the head of affairs, the experienced veteran Malaysian jockey didn't bustle Red Rover up to make up for the ground conceded at barrier rise.

Instead, he allowed his mount to stride up into a middle berth where he could get a midrace breather before giving him the office upon straightening.

The race was indeed all over Red Rover  once the dynamic performer powered to the line from the 300m, easing down close home to an uncontested victory.

Snip (Benny Woodworth) took second place three lengths away with Sierra Conqueror third another neck away. The winning time was 58.85secs for the 1000m on the Polytrack.

"The horse was already a proven winner at his last start. Today, he was coming back from a spell and was a bit fresh," said Azhar.

"But he was not that good at the start, he was a bit slow. Because I know him very well, I know he will respond in the straight.

"He's actually better off ridden off the pace."

With trainer Mark Walker away at the Magic Millions 2YO in Training Sale at the Gold Coast, assistant-trainer Gus Clutterbuck was on hand to lead in their 69th winner and strengthen up their grip on a third title. With 14 meetings left in the season and a margin of 21 winners on Michael Clements, it also looks like all over Red Rover for those who think they can stop his march towards a third title.

"The horse came good from a break and has quickly come back to form. Azhar rode him good as well," said Clutterbuck.

"He's another nice New Zealand-bred."

Red Rover has now taken his record to two wins, one second and one third from four starts for prizemoney closing in on the $70,000 mark for the Fortuna NZ Racing Stable.