Trainer John Sargent has taken more positives than negatives from Elusive Runner's unlucky second at Randwick, his lead-up race to the Queensland Derby.

The $4.20 favourite came from the rear of the field to chase Off The Rails ($12) to the line in the 2000-metre benchmark 73 after his jockey Jason Collett lost control of the reins as he pulled his whip through from one hand to the other.

The gelding's problems were further compounded when he lost a shoe mid-race so Sargent was pleased to see him run the winner to a half length.

His earnings lifted his prize money beyond $44,000 which should be enough to get him into the Derby (2400m) on June 7 at Eagle Farm.

"On that performance we know he will get the trip in the Derby," Sargent said.

"He lost a shoe which didn't help."

The first race on Saturday's Randwick program was a landmark for 19-year-old apprentice Winona Costin who steered Almalad home for a comprehensive 3-1/2 length win in the 2YO Plate (1200m).

It was Costin's first Saturday metropolitan winner and came for her new boss Gai Waterhouse.

"I have been at the stable on loan for almost three months and will have my indentures transferred soon," she said.

"It's super to win on a Saturday. I love being in Sydney.

"The horse was cruising to the line."

Waterhouse said Almalad had booked his trip north to the Group One JJ Atkins (1600m) on Queensland Derby day.

"He is a very, very exciting horse," Waterhouse said.

"He goes to Brisbane now."