Trainer Robert Heathcote has applied one of his favourite sayings to Pinch Passion, who has backed up on the Sunshine Coast three days after winning at Ipswich.

Pinch Passion won a maiden by a narrow margin at Ipswich on Wednesday and most thought Heathcote would scratch him from Saturday's three-year-old handicap.

"But my favourite saying is they won the McKinnon on Saturday and the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. If they do well, they can back up," Heathcote said.

Pinch Passion ($7) proved him right when he held on to beat Rancho Montoya ($3.20) by half a head, with Mishani Bullitt ($3.60) three-quarters of a length back in third.

Heathcote said Pinch Passion would have a break and return for the summer three-year-old races.

A Melbourne trip for Rancho Montoya is unlikely although he battled on well.

"It was a good effort but he's probably six months away from being at his top. He isn't just there yet," trainer Stuart Kendrick said.

Trainer Chis Anderson is happy with Mishani Bullitt's run but believes he will have to claim on the gelding at his next start.

"He had no luck in a field of five and he is battling to carry 59 kilograms and win. It was a good effort because he finished close," Anderson said.