THE Peter Maher-trained Spanish Poet enhanced his record as one of the most consistent gallopers in work with victory at Wodonga on Friday.
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Spanish Poet claimed the $35,000 Benchmark 64, Hcp (1590m) with Michael Poy aboard.
It was the four-year-old gelding's second victory this month after recently winning at Gundagai .
Spanish Poet has now racked up three wins and six seconds from his past 10 starts.
"It's a huge thrill to train a winner on cup day in front of the huge crowd," Maher said.
"Especially with a large contingent of the owners being locals.
"You always try to have a couple of runners on cup day but it's not easy to get a winner with the big money on offer and going up against some of Victoria's biggest stables.
"We will certainly savour the win and celebrate with a few beers tonight."
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Spanish Poet started from the widest barrier in the eight horse field with Poy electing to contest the early lead.
He was able to work to the lead around 1000m from home and entering the home straight quickly put two lengths on his rivals.
Although getting tired over the final 100m, Spanish Poet ($4.20-fav) was able to cling on by a nose from the fast finishing Natter ($7.50).
Busta Move ($4.40) was almost 1.5-lengths back in third.
"I was a bit worried over the final 100m because my horse was taking short steps and the other horse was launching hard out wide," Maher said.
"But it proved to be a good ride by Michael and being able to find the lead was probably the difference between winning and losing in the end."
Poy, who is still an apprentice was thrilled to land a winner on Wodonga's biggest race day.
"It's a huge thrill and my great uncle, Lindsay, came to the track to watch me today which makes the win that bit more special," Poy said.
"I would also like to thank Mr Maher (Peter) who has supported me by giving me two rides today.
"I finished third on Ahadai Farasi so it was good to repay the faith and win on Spanish Poet.
"Peter told me he thought Spanish Poet was his best chance of getting a winner today.
"He told me to just let the horse bowl along in front and don't try and fight him and don't wait for them and get going before the turn and see if they can catch you.
"I pinched a nice margin turning for home but was probably lucky the race was over 1590m and not a mile."
Spanish Poet has proven to be a good money spinner for connections with just over $80,000 in career earnings.
He now boasts a handy record of three wins and eight minor placings from 17 career starts.
