He fought like a tiger!

ONE down and four to go.

As hopeful as they are, Captains Knock's connections realise it's not that simple!

By capturing last night's The Bidgee at the Riverina Paceway, Captains Knock is now the only pacer in the southern hemisphere eligible to collect Harness Racing New South Wales' $1million country cup bonus.

To secure the cash, however, the Brad Hewitt-trained stallion has to secure all five cups along the circuit.

The governing body is also offering a $500,000 bonus for four wins and $250,000 for three wins.

Earlier this year, Swayzee secured $500,000 for connections by winning four of the five features during 'Season 2' of the Carnival of Cups.

Newcastle is scheduled to host the next round on December 5 before Bathurst takes centre stage on January 30, followed by Albury on February 13.

Penrith will round out the $1million dream on March 20.

"It is an amazing way to start the carnival," Hewitt said. "Knowing he has the potential to earn that kind of money is a dream.

"As we saw with Swayzee last time around, it is no easy task, but you've got to try."

Captains Knock set himself on the right path with a gutsy victory over 2800 metres.

Driven confidently by Hewitt, the son of Captaintreacherous occupied the 'death seat' before staving off a determined challenge from Don Hugo to score by a head.

Max Delight was a metre-and-a-half away third as the winner rated 1:52.7.

"He was set up to be beaten at the top of the home straight, but just wouldn't give in," Hewitt said. "He fought like a tiger all the way to the line.

"I couldn't be prouder of his run."