Veteran trainer Brian Smith has predicted leading Brisbane apprentice Tegan Harrison could go all the way to the top after her win on Southerly at Eagle Farm.

Harrison was seen at her best to get the Smith-trained Southerly ($15) to the line first in Saturday's Mittys Hcp (1800m).

In a rough result for punters, Southerly beat Dienekes ($16) with Volkhere ($31) third in a three-way photo finish.

Smith has been a successful trainer for many years, coming to notice when he brought the great New Zealand horse Balmerino to Brisbane to win the 1976 Grand Prix and Brisbane Cup.

He now trains at Eagle Farm and Southerly was his 24th metropolitan winner of the season.

However, he was more inclined to talk about Harrison after Saturday's win.

"This girl is going a long way. She could make it to the very top of the profession," Smith said.

"She rode Southerly in a track gallop at Eagle Farm last week and it was exceptional work. Southerly has learned to hit the line now which is all you can ask of a horse."

Harrison, who notched her 36th metropolitan winner of the season on Southerly, was also full of praise for Smith.

"It is a pleasure to ride for such a respected trainer," she said.

"I am getting rides from the top stables now and it is great for my confidence."

Dienekes stormed home and would have won in a few more strides according to her apprentice jockey Janette Johnson.