Trainer Gary Newham's theory about having a small but quality team was again proved correct when Queensland Oaks candidate Winning Ways scored a Eagle Farm.

Three-year-old filly Winning Ways ($5) was too strong for the older horses beating the fast finishing High Opinion ($4.80) by a head in the Brisbane Racing Carnival Handicap (2200m).

Newham was one of Queensland's most successful trainers for decades and was best remembered for the multiple Group One winner Starcraft.

But he retired about 10 years ago and was lured back to training in 2016 by Starcraft's owner Paul Makin.

"I've only got four horses but they are four quality horses. While I have had plenty of winners at the provincial tracks I can't remember my last metropolitan winner," Newham said.

"To be honest I put Winning Ways in against older horses to see if she was a genuine Oaks hopeful." Newham said.

"She can head that way now and she does have the breeding behind her."

Winning Ways is by Coolmore sire Declaration Of War who is developing a reputation as a sire of stayers.