Sairyn Fawke rode the eight-year-old gelding to victory in the 2000-metre race at the weekend, ahead of Chivadahlii in second and Andrea Mantegna in third.

The Edenhope track, graded a good four on Thursday, was bathed in sunlight on Saturday afternoon for the eight-race program.

The cup is one of the town's biggest events of the year.

Smith said he rated his chances heading into the feature race.

"The horse has been working well. My wife said he'd go close to winning, and she was right, and we were very happy for her to be right," he said.

"Sairyn rode him to perfection. He's a well-rated ride.

"He jumped to the front and dictated terms and then kicked away on the turn and won.

"We've won races at Edenhope before but have never taken out the cup there, so we were pretty damn happy to get this one."

Smith thanked Tre Dieci's owners for their support.

"It was their first Country Cup," he said.

"Peter Burdon has been a great supporter of mine since I started training, so I'd like to make a special mention to him."

Smith said he hoped the win would set up Tre Dieci for a successful autumn racing season.

"We'll kick along at those sort of races. The horse is going terrific and that's why he was there on Saturday," he said.

"Even though he's low on handicaps, we took him there and he's doing well."