The Quarterback's first experience on a heavy track has proved a stakes-winning one despite his trainer's fears.

Robbie Griffiths admitted he thought all the hard work to peak the five-year-old for Thursday's Listed Dilmah Earl Grey Stakes had been wasted when a storm hit Flemington.

But The Quarterback ($7.50 eq fav) handled the ground as if he was used to it, recording a three-quarter length win over another of the three equal favourites Wild Rain, with Office Bearer ($21) another length third.

Griffiths said he was also concerned when The Quarterback got a long way out of his ground early but had faith in his jockey Matthew Allen.

"I was concerned but I could see that Matthew had a good hold of him and he knows that he can time a run like that on him, so he's got a lot of belief in the horse and he knows his capabilities," Griffiths said.

"He's an exciting horse. He's got a massive finish and when he unleashes it like he did today he's exciting to watch.

"My confidence had gone south pre-race. This is the race we wanted to win but when the rain was hurtling down, I was worried."

Allen said his confidence also plummeted before the race.

"I was pretty confident coming into today but when the rain came I wasn't sure because I've never ridden him in soft ground," he said.

"I was last early and actually got to the outside where I wanted to be.

"He's got such an amazing turn of foot and it was great to get a result for Griffo. He always sticks by me."