Track specialist Just Orm upset some of the winter hopefuls but it was stablemate Vega One who turned in the run of the race at the Sunshine Coast.
Just Orm ($9.50) made it four wins from seven starts over 1000m at the track in the Henzells Agency Handicap.
Favourite Tango’s Mate ($3.50) lost no winter admirers with his second while another track specialist Ringo’s A Rockstar ($7) ran his usual honest race for third.
But it was Vega One who ran the eye-catcher, coming from three lengths last at the 700m to finish fourth after an interrupted run in the straight.
Vega One is already in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap on June 6 thanks to winning the ballot-exempt The Gateway in December.
Trainer Tony Gollan, who completed a winning treble, was thrilled with both Vega One and Just Orm.
“Vega One had 62 kgs today and he would have made it very interesting had he got a clear run in the straight,” Gollan said.
“He is a very good horse and I can hardly wait for the Stradbroke.
“He will go to the Group Three BRC Stakes in a fortnight, the Group Two Victory Stakes a fortnight after that and then the Stradbroke on June 6.
“Not having the pressure of beating the ballot was a big benefit.”