A bungled start followed by a flawless finish to win the Dulcify Quality has primed Rock Hero for a return to Randwick in seven days for a tilt at a Group One victory.

And for trainer David Payne it can't come soon enough.

"He is a very special colt but although he is a big baby he is already looking at the girls," Payne said.

"I think we need to get a Group One with him quickly."

Rock Hero's first chance will come in the Spring Champion Stakes over 2000 metres, an additional 400m from the Listed Dulcify.

Jockey Glyn Schofield said he had no explanation for Rock Hero's antics at the start when he went up in the air instead of forward and lost a couple of lengths.

Rock Hero ($3.40) tacked on to the tailenders and made his move in the straight to overhaul Liberty's Choice ($16) and win by a long head.

Equator ($9) ran an even race to finish third, another 1-1/2 lengths away while the $3.10 favourite Thunder Fantasy finished fifth.

By Fastnet Rock, Rock Hero is raced by John Cordina and his partner Sandy Ward who also raced his mother Gallant Tess, a multiple Group One placegetter and stakes winner.

"I trained Gallant Tess and I bought this one for John and Sandy," Payne said.

"He is a very special horse. He didn't do much early but he is doing it now."