Classy colt Cosmic Force will chase a Group One win in Melbourne after turning the tables on first-up conqueror Standout in the Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick.

Pinging from the barriers, Tim Clark took up the running on the $2.80 favourite and Cosmic Force beat off the challenge from Dirty Work and found the line strongly to score by 1-1/4 lengths over Standout ($8).

The resuming Microphone ($2.90) was another half length back.

Snowden said fitness had cost Cosmic Force first-up in the Heritage Stakes and he was confident the horse could atone on Saturday.

"He's had that run under his belt two weeks ago and he's improved in his work since so we were quietly confident he'd get the job done," Snowden said

"I was a bit dubious at the start, he jumped a bit skewiff and got all lit up a wee bit early and it took him a little time to get back underneath him again.

"But he got that breather mid race and he really found late and reversed the result first up."

Snowden confirmed Cosmic Force would press on to the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington over the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Clark was having his first race ride on the colt but went into the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) positive after partnering him in a midweek track gallop.

"I just rode him like the best horse," Clark said.

"I came and galloped him Tuesday morning and he went like a jet. I was pretty confident today."

Trainer Gerald Ryan was happy with the effort of Standout, who suffered his first defeat but chased the winner gamely.

He will be spelled and return in the autumn for a shot at the major sprint races in Sydney.

Microphone was doing his best work late and jockey Nash Rawiller expected him to improve over more ground.

"I don't think he came here with his mind 100 per cent on the job today but I'm sure the team will sort that out a little bit more as he goes along with his preparation," Rawiller said.

"I was thrilled with his last 100 metres and we all know getting out to 1400 metres is his go. It was very encouraging."