Backed from $14 when markets opened, Brew Horse started at $7. The 5YO hadn't been seen at any public trials and had never run a place from four previous first-up runs. He was having his first run since finishing a creditable seventh in the Launceston Cup over 2400m in February.

Jockey Bulent Muhcu settled Brew Horse midfield early before making his move 450m from home. Hellova Night ($6) had opened up a big lead but was a spent force around the turn.

Brew Horse had a battle with Rich Clan ($6.50) over the last 100m but got the upper hand near the line to win by a short-half-head with the fast-finishing Ring Of Honour ($10) third.

"I've always thought the horse had ability, I thought the 1400m may have been a bit short for him but I'm over the moon," a delighted trainer Stephen Shaw said after the race.

"He didn't have much time off after the Launceston Cup, just seven weeks, we brought him to the track a few times and galloped him and that got him ready for today and it was a real thrill actually."

Shaw was unsure where the money for Brew Horse came from, saying he didn't back it and told his friends not to either.

"I didn't back him because I didn't think he could win over 1400m. He's not a first up horse but with the tempo today, it just gave those horses who were sitting midfield a chance to get over the top."

The trainer is not certain where Brew Horse will have his next start but his long range plans are for another tilt at the Cups over summer.