The six-year-old won a benchmark 58 handicap in heavy 10 conditions at the Wimmera track, to score career win number three in her ninth start.

Affinity Belle debuted for Cranbourne trainer Shae Eden in late 2016, but was transferred to the McKnights, who have trained the galloper in her past eight runs.

The mare has always shown promise and won his first two starts for her new trainers at Ararat and Kyneton in March following a lengthy spell.

Her win at Donald came second-up after an 18 week spell. She was ridden by apprentice Lewis German.

Co-trainer Ashley McKnight said Affinity Belle was noted for her fortitude.

“It was a really tough win,” he told broadcaster Racing.com

“I left it up to Lewis a bit – I said don’t go out with any plan, let’s see how the race pans out in the first 100 metres.

“He really took the initiative. I thought myself he might have gone a bit hard in the heavy 10, but she was tough the whole way.

“All credit to the mare, it was a tough win. Her biggest asset is her toughness.”

McKnight believed better class races and perhaps a mid-week city win were not beyond the mare’s ability.

Tuesday meeting was abandoned after race six due to the heavy state of the track.