Despite winning the Santa's Magical Kingdom Stakes with favourite Thurlow, trainer Robert Smerdon says the race was hard to watch.

Backed from $2 to run the $1.75 favourite, Thurlow took the entire straight under Craig Williams to wear down the leader Miss Gidget ($26) to score by a nose.

Smerdon said he was surprised to see Thurlow, who had run second on debut on Melbourne Cup day, buried away in the ruck when he thought she would be sharing the speed.

He said he didn't have any pre-race discussion with Williams as the leading jockey has a strong handle on the form and rode Thurlow when placed at Flemington.

"That was painful to watch," Smerdon said.

"But in the end she won and it was good she won that race.

"It was black type and that stays with her forever."

Smerdon said Thurlow would now go for a break and return for Blue Diamond Stakes series.

While Smerdon held concerns, Williams was confident of picking up the leaders.

"When you see an unexposed horse of Cindy Alderson's do everything right and travel, I thought we were in a bit of trouble, but late I was confident that she would get them," Williams said.

"I only gave her a couple of hard smacks and every time I did she responded."