Smerdon claimed the 1996 Ballarat Cup with McGuane.

While he has not been able to repeat the dose since, the Caulfield/Ballarat-based Smerdon has more often than not found himself in the winners' stall in support races on the day.

Only once in eight years has he missed out on a victory on Ballarat Cup Day.

His run at the meeting includes:

2002: The Duce;

2003: a double with Tuscanna and Written Journey;

2004: a treble with Approach The Bench, Written Journey and Written Habit;

2005: Flying Langfuhr;

2006: Message Bank;

2007: a rare blank sheet; and

2008: a double with Only He Knows and Moonambeau

Vals Boy ($4.20) added to the record in the $20,000 Thomas Jewellers Maiden, 1000m, yesterday.

Having just his second race start, Vals Boy made the running before charging away by more than three lengths from Undeniably ($3.10), with Lets Be Happy ($31) another two lengths away third.

Stable apprentice jockey Jack Hill had the winning ride.

Smerdon said Vals Boy got lost when fourth on debut at Kyneton on November 4.

He said having blinkers on for the first time had given him confidence.

Smerdon believes the gelding is at least a midweek city horse.