Sydney visitor Spending To Win has passed his first test in Melbourne registering a narrow victory at Caulfield.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained sprinter is based in Melbourne for the spring carnival and registered a first-up victory in Saturday's Grassroots Sports Club For Mirabel Handicap.

Ridden by Regan Bayliss, Spending To Win ($12) scored a long-neck win over Eduardo ($7.50) with Bryan ($12) a length away third.

Peter Snowden described Spending To Win a great money spinner for the stable as the gelding has now filled a place in 17 of his 19 starts, registering four wins.

"It was a litmus test for him today to see where he fitted in," Snowden said.

"It was a good race today and a bit of a class field and although he'll be meeting stronger company over the carnival I think he'll be worthy of at least two more starts down here."

Snowden said he was proud to watch Spending To Win wear down the runner-up Eduardo which went into Saturday's race unbeaten after victories at Moe and Sandown.

"I looked at the form of the runner-up and thought it was odd to be coming here, but I now know why they did," Snowden said.

"He looks not a bad horse, but I'm also proud of my bloke as he dug deep."