Trainer Kim Craft will target the Listed Grafton Cup in July with Shezahotshot after the five-year-old survived a protest to win at Doomben on Saturday.
Ridden by Grant Cooksley, Shezahotshot powered home to score by a long head over Ausworld in the Oztronics Handicap (1615m).
New Zealand mare Lovingthelimelight was a head away third.
Craft, who took Shezahotshot to Sydney as a travelling companion for stablemate Lucky Dubai, had just announced her Grafton Cup plans when Ausworld’s rider Brad Stewart fired in a protest for interference on the home turn.
Stewart claimed he lost two lengths in the incident when Shezahotshot shifted in while Jim Byrne’s mount Lovingthelimelight shifted out.
“I would have protested against both had Jim’s mount beaten us but I thought the main interference came from Shezahotshot,” Stewart said.
Stewards took little time throwing out the objection.
Shezahotshot’s win ended a frustrating week for Craft who lost one of the mare’s stablemates through injury.
“I’ve had a few problems this week but it’s all good now,” she said.
“She came back a bit fat after I took her to Sydney as a companion for Lucky Dubai and I’m setting her for the Grafton Cup.
“The Grafton Cup isn’t until July and I’m bringing her up slowly.”
The $150,000 Grafton Cup (2350m) is on July 12.
