The leading Wodonga trainer, who was searching for his 12^th cup win on Friday, had four runners in the cup, with Minnie Downs the best placed at fifth.

But Baby Jack ensured Cox didn’t go home empty handed, winning race five, the $20,000 Jacob Hino Wodonga Prestige BM64 Handicap over 1590-metres.

Paying $9 for the win, Baby Jack – with Jye McNeil on board - beat home Zamperini ($2.80) and Ducal Castle ($3.70) for the spoils.

“I always thought the horse had a bit of ability,” Cox said.

“He’s got a few problems and he’s still not right.

“I thought he would be a Wodonga Cup horse, this was about four starts ago.

“He just needs to mature a little bit better.”

Wodonga trainer Peter Maher started cup day with a bang, with Cha Cha King saluting in race one after paying $21 for the win.

Former Myrtleford coach Andrew Dale had success with Shelbyville in race No.4, which was named after Cox’s late father, Ollie.

The nine-year-old gelding saluted ahead of Hooley Dooley and Celestial Sky in the Ollie Cox Memorial.