Ballarat galloper Bulldog of Bergen made the best possible start to his racing career at Bendigo on Cup Day today with a brilliant win in the Pura Milk Super Vobis Maiden Plate (1400m).

A three-year-old gelded son of leading South Australian based stallion Blevic, Bulldog of Bergen showed great fight over the concluding stages to hold out the late challenge from the runner-up and race favourite Happy Tumbler.

The win delighted trainer Damien Hunter who purchased the youngster as a yearling and is also one of five part owners.

"He had shown us some good ability at home," Hunter said. "But until they head to the track you never really know."

"We were just hoping for the best."

Connections of the three-year-old are not sure whether to give Bulldog of Bergen another run or not.

"I might even send him to the paddock," Hunter commented. "I think he'll be a much better horse in the autumn."

"He's a Blevic and they are renowned for being able to train on season after season - hopefully that is the case with this bloke."

"He certainly looks pretty promising. We're excited about his future."

Hunter "found" Bulldog of Bergen at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

"He only cost $15,000," Hunter recalled. "I really liked him at the sales. He was a nice big, strong yearling and had a nice pedigree."

"His dam (the Danzero mare Count the Clouds) is a half sister to the former good horse Rain Gauge - I liked that about him too."

Rain Gauge, a son of Kenvain, was a former classy galloper who during his racetrack career won six races and earned connections some $725,000.

His best win came in a Group Two Moonee Valley Gold Cup. He also won a couple of other listed races in Melbourne.

Rain Gauge was also third in both an Australian Cup and BMW Stakes at Group One level.

Bulldog of Bergen's sire Blevic is regarded as one of Australia's best value sires. The resident of Kambula Stud, on the outskirts of Kadina on the Yorke Peninsula, had a stakes winner at Flemington on Oaks Day last week in the shape of Exalted Keetah.

Among his 16 other stakes winners are the quality gallopers including Blevvo, Exalted Ego, Shablec, Under the Bridge, Nancy Eleanor, The Chunkster, Stillme (was Bretcarlyle), Sassbee, Red Labelle and Bellediction.

PICS - Greg Irvine.