"I always have good runs in Gil, it was pretty unfortunate when the races got pulled recently, it's not too bad for me, but obviously for the owners and such, it can be a big blow, but at the end of the day, it's just bad luck," Parker said.

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"I've never won the Gil cup, but I've tried a couple of times and came close, I have a few in every year when I can, so it would be good to."

Parker's winning gelding was last seen in action in Dubbo in September, securing a second place finish then that showed promise, but the need for improvement.

That needed improvement showed in spades for the trainer on Monday, with the four year old working from the middle of the track along the final straight and showing plenty of horsepower in a battle with Clint Lundholm's Mr International ($9) and Cindy Monaghan's Mayaman ($1.65, favourite).

The at times difficult horse has proven tough to keep focused and Parker had concerns that seemed validated when the battling gelding dipped back along the final straight and surrendered the lead with just two hundred metres to go.

A moment later and Bid To Fame surged back in front and crossed the finish line ahead of his two rivals, with Mr International being awarded second place over Mayaman after a moment's pause.

"It was a good performance today, he came back pretty good, he's been a bit of a funny horse, a little tough to train, sometimes a bit lazy, but at the moment we're getting him rode everyday and that's made a big difference."

As for the hometown Cup, Parker's still not sure whether this will be his year when the event is rescheduled.

"I don't know if I've got a chance this year."