A long campaign hasn't dented the consistency of Spunlago who provided trainer Ron Stubbs with a long-awaited city victory at Flemington.

Stubbs returned to training ranks two years ago after “retiring” around 20 years ago to work in the transport industry.

During his previous stint Stubbs had a number of city-grade horses including Prince Carrick and Golden Lining who were successful in Melbourne in 1990.

Stubbs said stepped away from training with a growing family and a mortgage because racing was a seven-day a week job.

He now potters around with four horses.

“I thought there would be something better out there but I don't think there was,” Stubbs said.

“I'm semi-retired although it doesn't feel like it, but we're back and enjoying every minute of it.”

Ridden by Brett Prebble, Sunlago ($19) scored by a head from the well-backed $3.20 favourite Odeon in Saturday's TAB Support National Jockeys Trust Trophy.

Spunlago has been in work for over 12 months having a dislike for paddock life and having the 14th start of his campaign.

Stubbs headed to Flemington on Saturday confident of a forward showing.

“I thought he'd run well but the only downside was he's been in work for so long and had had so many runs,” Stubb said.

“We were a bit unlucky two starts back and I thought we'd missed the chance, but it's good to get it today.”

Saturday's victory was a heat of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship and Stubbs is unsure how far Spunlago will progress with the final at Flemington on July 6.