The Michael Walker-ridden Spencer Street stormed from last rounding the home turn to score by 1¾ lengths from the Symon Wilde-trained Mr Walker while another Warrnambool runner, Mitch Freedman’s Refuse To Lose, was a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

For the second time yesterday Smerdon could understand why his charge had been unfancied by punters, starting a $14 chance.

“He’s been competitive at this grade but when we jump him up to 78s, he has struggled a bit,” Smerdon said. He will now target a mid-week city race for the four-year-old gelding.

Smerdon was forced to replace apprentice jockey Thomas Sadler with the experienced Walker because the youngster suffered an injury in a fall on the weekend. 

Joint favourite top weight Kirani, from Pat Hyland’s stable, was left in the barriers.