Trained by Sylvia Thompson, Allelu benefited from a solid tempo set in the race by Smoken Cash and a perfectly executed ride by Wagga jockey Andrew Bloomfield.

Bloomfield sat back in the seven-horse field and waited until the home turn before pulling out three wide in the straight.

Once straightened, Allelu ($5) showed a superior turn of speed to quickly collar Smoken Cash ($10) and score by a length.

The Peter Moody-trained favourite Stone In His Shoe ($2.10) battled only fairly in the straight to grab third a further 1¾ lengths away.

Thompson was full of praise for Allelu who was stepping up to a Benchmark 70 despite only having a 61 rating.

“She has done a good job to win in that sort of grade because she is only coming through the ranks and eligible for easier races,” Thompson said.

“But her form has been terrific this time in and she deserved her chance.

“She always needs her fair share of luck in races because she likes to settle back but Andrew rode her a treat today.

“The best part about her is she can relax in her races and can get over a bit further distance.

“I was very happy with her.”

Allelu failed to win a race in her first two preparations but has gone to another level this campaign.

The four-year-old mare resumed from a 24-week spell in June and has won three starts and run three minor placings from 10 starts this preparation.

Thompson said she keen to raise the bar again and most likely nominate Allelu for a race on Oaks day over next week’s Flemington carnival.

“There is a restricted Benchmark 70 race for fillies and mares over 1700 metres on Oaks day which I think is right up her alley,” she said.

“But she had to win today to even contemplate a start.

“So hopefully she recovers and I will enter her for the race.”

Allelu has previously had one city start in midweek company at Sandown where she finished midfield and 2½ lengths from the winner, She’s Pretentious.

The Wodonga Gold Cup will be the club’s next meeting on November 28 which will coincide with the first cup day public holiday in Wodonga.

There is a restricted Benchmark 70 race for fillies and mares over 1700 metres on Oaks day which I think is right up her alley. SYLVIA THOMPSON