It took her nearly five months, but Alison Smith is once again in the winner's circle.
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Ridden by Nick Heywood, the Smith-trained Vaquero ($5) took out the Erin's Quality Outdoor Power Centre Benchmark (1808) in Bathurst on Friday by nine-tenths of a length over race favourite Saint Ay ($2.15).
Racing out of barrier one, Vaquero flew out of the gates before moving back towards the middle of the pack.
Vaquero hugged the inside rail for nearly all of the race, as the five-year-old gelding stayed towards the back of the pack.
With about 800 metres left to go, the smart money would have been on anyone but Vaquero, who had dropped back into last place and a few lengths off the leader.
That was where they would stay until the final straight, where Vaquero gained a head of steam and quickly passed the pack.
With Saint Ay only left in front, Heywood made one final push to pass the favourite and grab the win.
This was Smith's first win since September 7 and just her second victory over the past 50 races, dating back to the middle of June last year.
The trainer will feature in four races at Dubbo's Monday meet.
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