The Ben Smith-trained gelding son of Lonhro responded to Bullock’s urging to beat Skylimit by a length with Hammoon Boy, who had also run third in the Tamworth Cup, another length away third in the feature race.

Professor Marx had threatened to take a hand on straightening but his run came to an end as Bullock got to work on Anecdote and drove him to an eighth career win at his 31st start.

Bullock, 26, had winter off and today’s Spring Cup was his first ride back from a self-enforced spell to have his body fit and healthy.

“I was going to return at Taree but the boys [Ben and Daniel Smith] got me to ride him,” he said as he pointed to seven-year-old Anecdote.

“Got to thank Ben for the ride. Gee it’s good to be back. That’s a great feeling, haven’t had it for a while.”

He said Anecdote “pulled him along” but he was able to restrain well enough without being too forceful.

Daniel Smith, brother of Ben Smith and stable foreman, said Anecdote “is a nice horse”.

“He keeps turning up for you,” Smith said.

“It was a great ride by Aaron and he had to work hard but I wouldn’t mind having a heart like that. He kept on pulling out punches like that with a big weight. He’s getting better as he gets older.”

Smith said Anecdote could be headed for a spell now while stable star, In Her Time, is preparing for some more Group racing this Spring by trialling next Tuesday at Rosehill.