Very honest galloper Crossthestart came extremely close to winning the $150,000 Listed Bendigo Cup on Wednesday.
Ridden by champion jockey Damien Oliver, Crossthestart had to jump from a wide barrier but managed to find a nice position in the run. Oliver hooked him out at the top of the straight and he looked to be the winner until right on the post when grabed by Zupacool.
Crossthestart shrugged off his disappointing run in the Cranbourne Cup and proved that he will be more than competitive in any staying race that he contests in Melbourne.
He will now head towards the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the final day of the Flemington carnival.
Other runners for the team over the week will include consistent performers Sea Skye and Bashful Girl.