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By Mark Brassel

Brenton Avdulla is the leader of the 2022 Nathan Berry Medal at the completion of Day 1 of The Star Championships Royal Randwick.

Avdulla went to the front after he was runner-up aboard Benaud in the Bentley Australian Derby (2400m).

Brenton Avdulla returns after winning on Fireburn. Image by Steve Hart Photographics

Avdulla's two points put him in the lead on five points, with winning rider John Allen on favourite Hitotsu appearing on the ladder for the first time with three points.

Earlier, Avdulla had guided outstanding filly Fireburn to an easy victory in the $1m Inglis Sires' (1400m)

The filly, an easing $2.50 favourite, steamed over the top of the heavily backed runner-up She's Extreme (Tommy Berry, $4.60) to score by a length and a half, with Letsrollthedice (Damian Lane, $10) a distant third four lengths away.

James McDonald landed three points when Nature Strip demolished the opposition in the Furphy TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).

He beat Eduardo with the second placing moving Nash Rawiller into outright second place with four points.

And Craig Williams also moved onto the scoreboard after taking out The Star Doncaster Mile on Mr Brightside.

Nick Heywood drew first blood in the Nathan Berry Medal by taking out the Newhaven Park Country Championships Final.

Heywood received three points by scoring on $8.50 chance Another One who narrowly held off Commando Hunt (Nash Rawiller, $9) by half a neck.

Roughie, Amulet Street (Hugh Bowman, $51) was third a length away.

NATHAN BERRY MEDAL POINT SCORE
5 - Brenton AVDULLA
4 - Nash RAWILLER, Hugh BOWMAN
3 - Craig WILLIAMS, James McDONALD, John ALLEN, Nick HEYWOOD
2 - Tommy BERRY
1 - Jamie KAH, Damian LANE, Fred KERSLEY

For further info go to - The Championships