The locally-trained six-year-old gelding from the Bob Milligan stable cruised to the line a half-length in front of Sian ($3.90), trained at Newcastle by Kris Lees, to give jockey Ashley Morgan 58.5 wins for the season in the Kennards Hire Taree Benchmark 66 Handicap over 1412m.

Milligan's son, Glen, said he discussed race tactics with Morgan in the morning and emphasised how important it was for Texas Storm, which drew the ace barrier, get off the fence around the 600m mark.

The field parted beautifully on the bend into the straight, Morgan kicked the gelding to a lead of several lengths and then idled to the winning post.

Glen said: "I hope the win will give Texas Storm a sufficient rating to get into the field for the Scone Cup (a $200,000 race over 1600m on Friday, May 14).

"Texas Storm has struck a purple patch of form and the big, strong fellow needs plenty of galloping room.

"I think the 1600m of the Scone Gold Cup will suit him at this stage."

Glen and his wife, Vicky, watched the race on her phone as they were returning from the Sydney horse sales with three purchases.

Morgan said Texas Storm in giving him two wins from two rides is a "momentum" horse and needs plenty of galloping room.

The gelding's record from 36 starts registers five wins (four at the track) and 10 placings for nearly $175,000 and gave Bob his 12th win for the season.

The riding honours went to Port Macquarie jockey Ben Looker with wins on Wanmei ($4) for Damien Lane in the Bakewell Haulage Handicap over 1610m and on Tequila Cabos ($9,50) for Wyong trainer Nathan Doyle in the tab.com.au Handicap over 1007m to take his tally of wins to 65.

Looker picked up the ride on Wanmei when Digger McLellan couldn't make it and described the three-year-old colt as not having his mind totally focused on racing but had merit in the run.

As for Tequila Cabos- "There are more wins in store."

Lane also had a winning double with last start winner Too Good To Be Tru ($2.60) scoring by just under a length for Newcastle jockey Andrew Gibbons (65th win) in the XXXX Gold Handicap over 1257m.

Gibbons said the three-year-old Redoute's Choice gelding won on "raw ability" (third win from five starts) and will be better when he learns to race.

His son, Dylan, a first-year apprentice jockey, grabbed his 52nd win on three-year-old filly Black Jacamar ($3.50), by just under a length margin in the Iron Jack Handicap over 1007m.

"She didn't have a clue what she was doing but when they work her out they will have some fun with her," he said of the filly trained at Wyong by Kim Waugh.

Taree trainer Matthew Robinson celebrated his first win for the season with a nearly two lengths win with consistent three-year-old filly Chelsea Magic ($4.20), ridden by Luke Rolls, in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap over 1007m.

"Her last couple of runs have been good but she is still a bit green.

"I put the blinkers on for focus and she is an improved horse this time in," Robinson said.

The other winner on the card, three-year-old gelding Apache Red ($3.90), trained by Pat Farrell from Muswellbrook, dumped jockey Rachael Murray shortly past the winning post in the Horsepower Plate over 1412m.

Also dislodged was Jess Taylor on third placegetter Sir Bawn, trained at Newcastle by Paul Perry, when Apache Red shifted out.

Both jockeys sustained minor injuries.

Racing returns to Taree for another TAB meeting next Tuesday.