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BENDIGO trainer Gus Philpot is hoping his mare Shadowofyoursmile can develop into a city class winner.
The five-year-old impressed with a narrow win in a 1100m benchmark 70 handicap on Bendigo Cup.
Little separated the top four finishers, with the Dane Shadow-Leander Hall mare prevailing after a clever ride by 19 year-old apprentice Jack Martin.
Flying Spark made it a one-two Bendigo finish, with the Shane Fliedner galloper filling second place ahead of race favourite Baby Don't Cry, with Winspot fourth.
The win was a proud moment for trainer Philpot, who relocated to Bendigo about 15 months ago after years in central and northern Queensland.
"It was a terrific win, she's been racing really well with two wins from three (starts) this time in," he said.
"She's a very honest horse - she gives 110 per cent every time.
"She doesn't win every time, but she's out there having a go. If she runs fifth, you are never disappointed with her as you know she is trying so hard."
Philpot said he had yet to decide on where the horse would run next, but believed she would be suited nicely to a mare's race at Moonee Valley.
"Whether it's spring carnival time or just after, we'll have a look," he said.
"There's plenty of races for her, especially at this time of year."
Philpot, a former jockey, praised the ride of Martin, who was badly injured in a car accident in 2014.
"Jack is riding well, he’s very underrated," he said.
"He just needs a few more breaks and chances.
"It was pretty heady ride on a difficult mare to ride - he did superbly."
The former Queensland trainer was one of three Bendigo trainers to prepare a winner on cup day.
He paid credit to course manager Bernard Hopkins and his team for having the track in impeccable condition.
“If not one of the best tracks (in Australia) it’s the best,” he said.
“It’s as good as any city track anywhere.”