The Pat Carey-trained stayer had mixed his results so far this campaign but regardless was one of the favourites in the Rain Lover Handicap (2500m).

Chris Symons settled the Helenus gelding behind the speed as outsider Handy led the field around.

Angola was prominent throughout and as a wall of horses spread across the Flemington straight it was the Pat Carey-trained five-year-old who drew clear for a length success.

Gottino ran second with the Team Cummings-trained Reigning third.

Race favourite Instrumentalist recorded a closing fourth.

A slow maturing type, today’s Rain Lover Handicap was a long time coming for Angola and connections.

“He is a lovely big staying type of horse and he might be coming into his own,” winning trainer Pat Carey said.

“I can’t see why he can’t keep improving. He had a little hiccup early in his career but he seems to be in clear water now.”

Angola is by late sire Helenus with the pair sharing the same owners.

“Trevor and Terry Delroy from Wyadup Stud in Western Australia have supported me a lot with horses but in particular sons of Helenus,” Carey said.

“They have been outstanding horses and it is a crying shame for everyone concerned he is not with us anymore because he leaves a fines type of horse.”

Helenus passed away in April 2013 due to complications arising from surgery.