A SOLID first preparation for Bendigo trainer Jarrod Robinson with Countess Tessa reaped its reward at Kilmore on Friday.
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The three-year-old filly broke through for her maiden win over 1100m in the opening race on the card
Countess Tessa had proven ultra-competitive in her first three starts, which culminated in placings on debut at Wodonga in September and her last start at Bendigo earlier in the month.
Noel Callow was able to dictate terms out in front before the filly showed plenty of toughness to keep the Michelle Payne-trained Sotirio at bay in the straight to win by a length, with fellow Bendigo galloper Luna Chara for Rod Symons getting home strongly for third.
Robinson, who notched his first win of the season and ended a frustrating run of minor placings, was delighted by the filly's progress.
"She's just slowly been improving all the time and she's a really tough filly," he said.
"She's coped with the work really well.
"I can't thank the owners enough for giving me the opportunity with her.
"It's the first horse they've given me, so it was good to get a winner with her.
"(We have) a few mutual friends and they just decided to give her to a country trainer. I'm glad it was me."
Robinson indicated Countess Tessa was likely headed for a spell, but believed there was plenty of scope for improvement with the daughter of Toronado.
"She's still pretty raw and does a little bit wrong," he said.
"She handled the wet track last start, but I think she will go out soon.
"Hopefully, she will come back for the winter and have a go at some more three-year-old fillies races."
The win continued a good two days for Callow, who scored a double on Thursday at Cranbourne.
Robinson, who moved his training base from Kyneton to Bendigo 12 months ago, will saddle up one runner on the weekend, with the six-year-old mare Magnikka to contest a benchmark 52 over 1300m at Mortlake on Sunday.
She will be ridden by apprentice Campbell Rawiller.
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