The Team Ledger-trained Royal Monsoon relished a step-up in distance to score his first career win at Wodonga on Monday.
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Royal Monsoon was able to break through in the $23,000 3YO & Up Maiden, (2050m) with Liam Riordan aboard in his 13th career start.
It was the second leg of a winning double for Riordan who was successful in the opening race aboard the Matt Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Palace Whisper.
In a slogging finish over the staying trip, Royal Monsoon led into the straight and was able to fend of his rivals to win by almost a length.
Winning co-trainer Chris Ledger feared Royal Monsoon could be left a sitting duck after surging to the front at the top of the straight.
"I thought he might have hit the lead a bit early considering it was his first try over 2000m," Ledger said.
"But that's why Liam is on top and we're watching.
"I thought Liam rode a terrific race and lobbed into a nice spot and put him into the race when he had to.
"It was a good, strong win.
"It was an encouraging effort to run third at Kilmore at his previous start.
"So it was good to see him hold form and get the win for the owner who is based in Perth."
Meanwhile the Andrew Dale-trained Suburbia notched his first win in almost 12-months in the $22,000 Benchmark 58 Hcp, (1590m).
