The Dan McCarthy-trained Ashlor broke through for his first city success in 18-months after a gritty win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
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Although Ashlor ($7) had been racing ultra competitively, his last city victory was at Moonee Valley in December 2018.
The talented galloper is usually asked to lump big weights but relished the 54.5kg after the 2kg claim of winning jockey Tahlia Hope.
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Hope produced a perfect ride to sit just off the speed before surging to the lead and holding off a late challenge from Morrissy ($21) by a short head.
McCarthy said Ashlor had a real affinity with the tight-turning Moonee Valley circuit with four wins at the track.
"I guess the race mapped exactly how it turned out," McCarthy said.
"Funnily enough he's won by a short-head but she (Hope) was very soft on him in the last 100 metres.
"He knows how to win but he doesn't win by big margins, he just wins, but he was pretty brave.
"It was a good, gutsy effort."
Stablemate Yeldarb will be out to emulate Ashlor at Sandown on Wednesday and is entered for the $40,000 Benchmark 70 Hcp, (1400m).
