A tilt at Sydney's most prestigious summer race could be the catalyst for a lucrative autumn for Ninth Legion who has atoned for a narrow defeat at Hawkesbury with a decisive Rosehill victory.

A gelding operation earlier this year has helped Ninth Legion realise his talent and the four-year-old will be aimed at next month's Group Two Villiers Stakes.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said he would have no concerns about Ninth Legion handling the 1600 metres of the Villiers, a win in which earns exemption to the $3 million Doncaster Mile in April.

"Now that he's a gelding he has learned to be a racehorse," Hawkes said.

"This was his third run this preparation and his third as a gelding.

"His last race he got beaten by a nostril and it was a great run.

"It's upwards from here."

Peter Robl had Ninth Legion ($6) in a handy position early in the Cellarbrations Wadalba Handicap (1350m) with the field led by Malavio after he crossed from his wide alley.

As the leaders tired in the straight, Ninth Legion pounced to beat Said Com ($7.50) by a half length with Soledad ($13) another three-quarters of a length third.

"Pete has had success on him before so that's why we put him on," Hawkes said.

"Ninth Legion ran good races as a colt but he was racing against All Too Hard and Pierro.

"There were no issues with him. He just needed gelding but it's hard sometimes to convince owners because of course everyone wants a Fastnet Rock colt.

"But this has been the best thing for him and we've seen the true horse.

"And now we know backing him up is not a problem so we can decide which race we go to before the Villiers."

Ninth Legion ran a nose second to Tromso in the Listed Ladies Day Cup (1400m) last Thursday week.

He brought up the second leg of a winning double for Robl who rode the enigmatic Hoylonny to win the 1900m handicap.

One of four runners in the race for premier trainer Chris Waller, Hoylonny ($15) came with a late burst to beat Permit ($41) by a length with favourite Secessio ($3.40) another half length third for a stable trifecta.

It was Robl's first ride on Hoylonny who has been hit and miss with his form and the jockey sought the counsel of the injured Jim Cassidy who has the best winning record on the horse.

"I talked to Jimmy before the race and he told me about him," Robl said.

"He's had a lot to do with him and was very helpful.

"But like I told him, the five per cent is still coming to me."