Veteran jockey Robert Thompson has ridden more than 4000 winners but rarely has he produced a better effort than in the WJ Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm.

Thompson drew the outside barrier on Scone galloper Big Money ($6) but after the field had gone 300m he was one horse away from the rails.

The Rod Northam-trained Big Money appreciated a cracking early pace to charge home to beat the favourite Cape Kidnappers ($3.60) by a half neck with a head to Seeking More ($18).

"They really did go hard up front and stretched out, so I can't take too much credit," Thompson said.

"Coming to the home turn I was a bit worried I was giving too much start but they came back to us."

Northam, who got an early 43rd birthday present for Sunday with the win, was quick to praise Thompson for the ride.

"Robert is still up there with the best. When you have him on board you don't worry about the barriers," Northam said.

Big Money had run second in the Lightning Handicap (1000m) at his previous start and Northam was keen to step him up to 1200m.

Northam will now set Big Money for the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton on July 9.

Big Money is the third foal of the broodmare Lyn's Memory but she died after delivering him.

Northam's previous best win in Queensland was with Rosa's Spur in the Dane Ripper Stakes at Eagle Farm seven years ago.

"We usually only come here with horses we think we can win. The Ramornie has always been our main aim this time and next season we will look at other features now," he said.

Damian Browne, who rode Cape Kidnappers, said the gelding had tried hard but was anchored in the final 50m by his big weight.