Chasing his first win after 14 placings in 20 career starts, Patersons Pride took out the opening race with Elder driving the four-year-old for the first time.

Elder took the $2.15 favourite forward early to sit outside leader Dreamy Castafiore. Patersons Pride hit the lead approaching the home turn and he was strong late to hold out Peter Hedges' Speedy Blue Chip by 3.2 metres.

Forrest, who trains at Paterson, was thrilled to get the win with her "very cheap" but consistent pacer.

"I must say, I got a little bit excited," Forrest said. "He's been a little bit unlucky at times so it was exciting.

"He seemed to get beat by good up-and-coming horses a lot and a few times he should have won, but he had some bad luck in running.

"But he's certainly paid his way. I can't complain about him. He always puts in 100 per cent."

Hedges is Patersons Pride's usual driver but he switched to his own horse in Monday's race, opening the door for Elder.

"Everyone says he's the best driver, so I thought we'll see how he goes, and he did a great job," Forrest said.

The Louth Park reinsman made it a double at the eight-event program in race four with a close victory aboard three-year-old filly Shezabluechip for his father, Darren.