New Zealand galloper Alamosa relished the drop back from weight-for-age class to score a valuable Group One victory in Saturday's Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
Competitive earlier this spring behind the likes of Weekend Hussler and Light Fanstastic, Alamosa proved far too strong for the best milers in the land to win by one and three-quarter lengths from Rockwood ($17), with another length to Pillar Of Hercules ($16) in third.
It was an important win for the connections of Alamosa, whose owners had been dearly hoping their stallion would be able to take a Group One victory back across the Tasman to the Shaky Isles to boost his stud value.
Despite drawing wide, Alamosa was given a relatively comfortable run in the race by Craig Newitt, who was given the ride in preference to an unlucky Steven King - the horse's jockey in each of his three starts prior this spring.
Settling three wide but with cover just worse of midfield, Newitt was able to make ground rounding the turn.
Importantly, he had plenty of galloping room upon straightening to run down Here De Angels, who led to the 200 but was starting to weaken.
Rockwood claimed the lead shortly after but was no match for Alamosa's finishing burst.
Price said Alamosa was just a shade below weight-for-age class and was likely to bypass the Cox Plate in favour of the G2 Jayco Crystal Mile on the same program but could also head to the Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington without another run.
"If you ask me the horse doesn't properly carry weight-for-age in this country," he said.
Price said a changes such as a new jockey, a freshen up and the removal of blinkers all contributed to Alamosa's return to the winner's enclosure.
"He's just a really good mile handicapper and probably a bit of space between runs is good for him but just really thrilled he's hit the line in the right race," he said.
"He's been syndicated by all the good breeders in new Zealand they've all got behind him and they all deserve their win and I can't thank them enough for giving me the horse."
King, who rode runner-up Rockwood, said the winner was too good.
Michael Rodd said Sea Battle showed courage to finish fourth from his horror draw.
Valedictum, who finished fifth, worked home well after settling near the tail of the field but was not suited by the tempo, said jockey Darren Gauci.
Orange County, sent out an $8 favourite after a last-start Group One win, could not get into the race and finished ninth.
"The wide gate, big weight and the mile probably found him out," said jockey Damien Oliver.
Vlad Duric said Bon Hoffa, who finished last of the 18 runners after being sent out third favourite at $9.50, did not appreciate being 'cluttered' on the fence.