Trainer Tony Gollan credited jockey Jim Byrne as the catalyst for Pure Purrfection breaking a losing streak at Doomben on Saturday.

Out of the winning list since February last year, Pure Purrfection ($21) stormed home to win the Bribie Handicap (1110m) by a half neck from Metallurgical ($19) with Doubtfilly ($17) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Gollan has always had a high opinion of Pure Purrfection and was quick to identify Byrne's integral role in the mare's return to form.

"She's been a bit of tricky mare to ride because she's often missed the start but Jim has ridden her twice now and they really seem to click together," Gollan said.

"I also think she's been crying out for a race with genuine tempo which is one of the reasons I stepped her up to Listed company.

"In the normal Saturday races they tend to just sit and sprint home which doesn't suit her whereas there's usually a lot more pace on in the black-type races."

Pure Purrfection gave Gollan the second leg of a winning double after Amexed won the Rough Habit Plate.

But Gollan was left to ponder what might've been in the Group One BTC Cup when his stable stars Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom finished second and fourth respectively to Famous Seamus.

"We nearly had a great day but winning the Rough Habit and this race comes after a lot of hard work so we're going to enjoy it just the same," he said.

Celebrations were momentarily put on hold when James McDonald, who rode Metallurgical, lodged a protest against Pure Purrfection for interference at the 400m.

After deliberating for less than a minute, stewards dismissed McDonald's objection and fined him $200 for lodging a frivolous protest.

Our Boy Malachi was backed from $3.60 into $2.80 favouritism but after working hard to gain the lead, weakened to finish fifth.