Trainer Jason Manning burst into tears as his charger General Mazeratti took out the $42,000 Bridge Toyota Cup (1600m) yesterday.

And the outstanding crowd that attended Day 3 of the Darwin Cup Carnival produced the biggest cheer of the day as the six-year-old gelding came from the tail of the field to seal victory with his customary late burst.

"Yeah, I did get a bit emotional when he won the race, but it was nothing more than pure relief," Manning said.

"These are the races you aim for and today is so special because he's such a beautiful horse. He has been screaming for a longer trip and it's just great to see him win."

"The General" had never raced over 1600m in his 26 previous starts - in fact he had never raced beyond 1400m. Manning said on Tuesday that General Mazerrati's Cup Carnival campaign hinged on his performance in yesterday's race.

"I was disappointed he didn't get a start in the ROANT Cup because we were looking to run him over 1300m, but that's all forgotten and he's now a definite starter in the Metric Mile (July 23)," Manning said.

Invincible Gold (Michael McDuff), who won by 11 lengths over 1600m on June 25, held a big lead in the back straight before Manning (Barry Huppatz) and Pilos (Colin Haddon) gave chase.

Turning for home, Manning kicked clear and yet there was still no sign of General Mazeratti.

Suddenly, "The General" emerged from down the outside to eventually overtake Stephen Brown's gallant five-year-old gelding.

Winning rider Vanessa Arnott said: "He's a special horse. We didn't have much luck at the 800m, so we had to go to work early.

"He has been crying for 1600m and was full of running as we passed the winning post. He has a lot of ability and is enjoying a new lease of life here in Darwin."

Story courtesy of David White, NT News