Champion trained Chris Waller completely dominated the race but it was Jim Cassidy's positive ride on Hawkspur that resulted in the 5yo gelding returning to the winners list.
But it was no easy assignment. The stubborn Royal Descent yielded only in the last few strides with Bagman edging out the heavily backed Sacred Falls for third.
It was the fifth stakes victory for the Group 1 Queensland Derby winner taking his overall record to 8 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third from 32 starts for earnings of $1,216,330.
"Getting the first one over the line is most important," Waller said.
"They have all been very good horses to our stable and it's just a privilege to throw a saddle on them on race day.
"That's Jim Cassidy, he said to me prior to the race, don't be surprised if I go to plan B and that's just ride him a bit more positively if there's not enough speed.
"He said we've got the fittest horse in the race so don't be afraid to use it so that's why Jim Cassidy is so good."
Hawkspur is the third foal of the Catbird mare Mollyhawk a daughter of the Listed stakes-winner Exceptional Angel (Turf Ruler).
Mollyhawk has an unraced 2yo colt by Purrealist named Devil Hawk. She missed to Authorized (IRE) in 2012 and was covered by Purrealist again last season.
A Group III winning half-brother to 5-time Group 1 winner Racing To win, Purrealist now stands at Chatswood Stud where he covered 57 mares last season at a fee of $5,500.
