It is the second year in a row a Waller-trained horse has won the cup.

The European male finished two lengths ahead of Valentino Rossa and Social Element in front of a booming crowd at the Port Macquarie Race Club.

Damien Fidden, assistant race manger for Chris Waller, said it was a great ride by Berry on a well-managed track.

"He doesn't have good early pace but was posted wide for a good 1000 metres,” he said 

“Tommy had to bide his time. He had them all chasing around the turn.”

Working through the grades, Fidden said it was good to get Exoteric to a country race.

“It was a good race for him today. It's worth more than a city win at Rosehill,” he said.

“The track and facilities have been unreal. The track manager has done a tremendous job. It's held up really well and the club put on a fantastic day."

Berry was thrilled with the win and loved his return to Port Macquarie.

"I was caught wide early but I was happy where I was because he was relaxed, which he (Exoteric) struggles to do at points,” he said. 

“We got a nice trail into it by the second favourite. He was too strong in the end ... probably a class above.

Berry, who pumped his fists in jubilation as he crossed the line, said the atmosphere was electric.

“It was great to get here. It was good to come here and see so many people support the big meeting. I got a real buzz out of that,” he said. 

“I don't slip very often (but) people come out here to see a bit of atmosphere.

“If you're going to just go over the line and chop your hands it's not really promoting the sport of the big day, so I wanted to do that for them."

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