The four-year-old was in a spot of bother at the top of the straight, but a superb ride from Nikita Beriman saw him break free to win by half-a-length from Scott Spackman’s O’So Hazy.

Widdison’s original plan was to freshen up Cash Crisis for a tilt at the Flat Knacker (900m), before opting for the City Handicap.

“He’s really quick, so early days nothing was quick enough to lead him,” Widdison said.

“We’ve been trying to get him to settle and a few times the jockeys got bagged for looking ugly, but we were trying something and it wasn’t their fault.

“This time in, he’s been so much more relaxed.

“He still wanted to get going, but it was a gun ride by Nakita, she told me she’d get out.

“The race was sponsored by David Baxter too, he’s an owner of mine and a lovely bloke, so I’m pretty happy with that.”

Beriman admitted she thought the win was out of reach at the midway point.

“I was giving him a bit of niggle after we jumped out of the gates to hold a possie and then he picked up and travelled for a couple of strides, but he dropped again and just ran out of room at the top of the straight,” Beriman said.

“I had to change course, so it was a good effort to win.

“I didn’t think he was going to win at all, but it’s good to be racing for the Widdison stable at Albury, he always has his horses spot on.”

Among the owners of Cash Crisis is former Commercial Club president and ex-Albury coach Barry Edmunds.

The horse was bred by Peter and David Tobin, but Edmunds revealed they couldn’t give Cash Crisis away early doors.

“He’s the littlest horse you’ve ever seen, but he’s got a heart as big as himself and no-one really wanted him,” Edmunds said.

“We decided to give it to Craig, and, from day one, he trialled well and he’s raced well ever since.

“To win a race at Albury any time is good, but to win a City Handicap with a good, consistent horse like that is fantastic.

“He’s had about 15 starts (including trials) and only missed a place three or four times.

“It was a wonderful ride (by Nikita), riders can make a big difference.

“She was quite confident before the race and rode him well.”

The City Handicap was one of three wins for Widdison, with Willi Willi storming home to claim the Gold Cup, while Zephora took out the maiden plate in race one.