2009 Melbourne Cup Day had a spectacular start with Race 1 won by the young filly She’s Got Gears ($8.50).

The Robbie Laing-trained filly made a brilliant come-back after missing the start by the best part of two lengths and had to make up ground to take the lead in the last 200m in the 1000m sprint event.

A high quality filly, the two-year-old was able to hold off the David Hayes-trained Shaaheq in second with Crystal Lily a further two lengths in third.

Shaaheq gave David Hayes a solid run on a day filled with controversy after his Melbourne Cup entry Changingoftheguard was scratched this morning from the $5.65million race after pulling up lame.

Brad Rawiller, set to ride the favourite in the Cup Viewed, was aboard Shaaheq for her brave second placing.

She’s Got Gears is proving to be a good buy after her connections paid only $45 000 for the promising filly at the Autumn sales.

The clear cut favourite going into the race, Riverina’s Girl ($3.80) was heavily backed but only managed to place fourth in the Listed race despite starting fast from the gates.

Champion hoop Craig Williams rode She’s Got Gears to victory in a beautiful ride, sitting behind the pack before charging up the inside.