Two self-confessed battlers had to fight on two fronts to keep one of world racing's superpowers at bay before claiming the first stakes race on the Scone card on Saturday.

In one corner it was little-known trainer Fred Cowell and his jockey Nathan Thomas with promising galloper Mighty Lucky.

In the other, retired riding legend Darren Beadman represented Darley in his new role as assistant trainer as Dwayne Dunn protested after his mount Haussmann was beaten a half head in a desperate finish to the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).

On paper it might have been classed as a mismatch but stewards found in favour of Mighty Lucky keeping the race, saying the contact between the two horses was made too late.

"I think the contact was just that, contact. I was never going to knock (Haussmann) off his feet," Thomas said.

For Thomas, the win is his best in the saddle after plying his trade around the provincial and country racetracks of NSW.

"I've ridden winners in town (Sydney) but this is my biggest winner," Thomas said.

It might not be his last at black-type level with veteran horseman Cowell thinking there might be even better days ahead.

"Nathan said the penny has dropped with him this time in and if it has there is a good race in him," Cowell said.

Earlier, apprentice Serg Lisnyy proved an able substitute on the Chris Waller-trained Black Jag in the Vinery Stud Handicap.

Black Jag took up his favourite role in front and held on grimly to beat Strike Me Lucky and Saghann in a blanket finish to start the stand-alone meeting.

Except for his jockey engagement, Black Jag's win came a result of careful planning from Waller.

"We set him for this a few weeks ago," Waller's racing manager Liam Prior said.

"Our apprentice John Kissick was supposed to ride him but he got suspended and we were happy to put Serg on because he rode a bit for us over the summer months when John was out."