And in doing so completed a big day out for Aquanita Racing, with Robert Smerdon also getting a win.

True Tales ($2.50 favourite) and De Fine Lago ($3.50 favourite) went back-to-back on the 10-race card for the Ballarat Cup meeting.

True Tales reinforced his potential with a narrow win in the $70,000 Myer Fashions on the Field Handicap, 1200 metres.

He edged out Kel Chapman-trained Going Spending ($16) by a half head , with Juggle The Books ($17) third in a blanket finish.

It was an impressive return to the track by True Tales, which was first up since July.

The four-year-old won his first four races, persuading Vasil to campaign him at the Queensland Winter Carnival.

Although he missed out on snaring a race in the Sunshine State, Vasil said the warmer climate had helped him adjust to conditions at Dowling Forest yesterday.

Vasil is unsure exactly which races to target with True Tales, which he describes as "workmanlike".

"He doesn't like the firm ground, which is a bit concerning with the summer season coming on," said Vasil, who is not ruling out keeping this preparation brief.

"He enjoys racing over 1400 metres and we might stretch him to 1600m."

Vasil said De Fine Lago was a promising stayer which could handle a wet or dry track.

He described the gelding's win in the $50,000 Regent Cinemas Gold Class 0-78 Handicap, 2200m, as one of the horse's best.

With Dwayne Dunn aboard, the four-year-old surged past pacemaker The Zeebac ($5.50). Top weight Ship In The Night ($5.50) stuck on for third.

"He's a genuine horse," Vasil said.

"Expect to see him as a nice up-and-comer for the future," he said.

Vasil said De Fine Lago had been a good buy _ relatively cheap as a yearling at $30,000.

His record now stands at four wins and three seconds from 13 starts.