Jockey John Allan allowed the $3.60 favourite to settle near the rear of the field and they made a sweeping run approaching the home turn before storming down the middle of the track to win by a length.

The Colin Chandler-trained Bring Me Luck ($10) was second with the Symon Wilde-prepared Classic Port ($15) another neck away third.

McLean said it was pleasing when a plan came together.

"It was a good ride. With the shifting track we weren't sure if we should be forward or back," he said.

"In the end we decided to stick to plan A. It was a good ride. We had nominated a few times but this is the race we wanted."

McLean said while he was kept busy preparing horses for master trainer Darren Weir that his brother Brad, an elite jumps jockey, helped look after the McLean stable.

"Brad is very hands on. He does a lot of the work," he said.

The brothers will combine with Lord Of The Song in the Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday.

"It would be great to have some success. You never know what can happen with a bit of luck," he said.

McLean also paid tribute to Del Piero's part-owner John Cappellin, who has been a long-time stable supporter.

"He's had a horse with me since I've had a licence," he said.