The gamble to back-up Court Connection from his third a week ago paid dividends at Warwick Farm where the gelding passed a distance test under strong riding from Hugh Bowman.

Trainer Danny Williams prepares Court Connection for long-time client Alan Cardy and says he is now confident he can step up to 2400 metres after winning the Sharp Handicap (2200m).

Williams described Court Connection as "a bit frail" but said his third at Rosehill on a heavy track had not taken too much out of him.

"Running on the heavy track probably helped him because he didn't jar up," Williams said.

"He's not a horse I would normally back up because he's a a bit frail but he did very well after Rosehill.

"He has been sparingly raced but I think he can get up to 2400 metres."

Court Connection ($6.50) beat Planetarium ($7.50) by a half length with Marden ($4.80 fav) 1-1/2 lengths further away with all three coming from back in the field.