In a tantalising preview of the Spring Champion Stakes, Complacent came out on top at Rosehill on Saturday to stake his claim.
The colt from the Darley operation made a huge leap from a maiden win at Hawkesbury this month to score a narrow win in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m).
A son of 2007 English Derby winner Authorized, Complacent ($9) fought hard to hold off favourite Savvy Nature ($3), with Drago ($3.70) a further 2 lengths third.
Trainer Peter Snowden said he had always had a big opinion of Complacent's ability.
"He is still very raw but he has a lot of potential and a lot of quality about him. I said after his second start he would be a carnival horse.
"His win at Hawkesbury showed he was on the right track. Obviously, we will assess him over the next few days but the plan is the Spring Champion."
Kerrin McEvoy, who was aboard Complacent, said the colt did everything right. "It was a big step up in grade and it was good to see him relax like a stayer should."
Savvy Nature's trainer John O'Shea was ruing his charge's outside barrier after the race: "We had to go that far back from the wide draw and make a long run."
