It was then the Orange-based Smith was having a look at online sales and a Kiwi filly named Gorgeous I Am caught her eye.

Out of I Am Invincible and Thora, the well-bred filly had failed to set the world alight in three trials for John O'Shea and Smith was able to pick her up at a reasonable price.

She debuted at Parkes earlier this month and ran fifth but on Sunday things came together as Gorgeous I Am grabbed her first victory in the Satts Plant Hire and Haulage Maiden Handicap (900m) at Wellington.

The ability to handle the tricky downhill bend into the straight at Wellington proved key on Sunday as jockey Anthony Cavallo and I Am Gorgeous ($6.50) stuck to the rails while Carry On Cathy ($3.80), who had also pushed forward early on, ran wayward and a little wide.

Jockey Jake Pracey-Holmes was able to keep Carry On Cathy on track but he had to settle for a close-fought second ahead of Padrone ($18).

I Am Gorgeous had won by a half-length in a welcome boost for Smith after she had spent time in hospital last week following a stray hoof to the face around the stables at home.

"I just want to thank the team at home," Smith said the Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win.

"They held down the fort while I was in hospital last week for a few days so thanks to those guys, they did the job."

Beau Factor was the $2.70 favourite in Sunday's opening event but had to settle for fourth for Dubbo trainer Kody Nestor.

There was no such issue for the favourite in the day's second event as the David Smith-trained Tenango was given a lovely ride by Mathew Cahill on his way to winning the R&D Glass Wellington and Dubbo Maiden Plate (1100m) as a $1.90 chance.

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