Speedy veteran Adebisi broke an 18-month winning drought and in the process showed he doesn't have to lead at Doomben on Saturday.

The first shock of the day was when country mare Miss Mega Herz led Adebisi in the early stages of the Hardy Brothers Jewellers Open (1010m).

However, six-year-old Adebisi ($4.20) sat second to the turn before he shot away in the straight to beat Mr Favulous ($3.30 fav) by three-quarters of a length with 1-1/2 lengths to Lennies Choice ($14).

Adebisi's previous win was in the Caulfield Rubiton Stakes in February last year.

He had mixed his form in his 13 runs since then but trainer Desleigh Forster was confident Adebisi would race well on Saturday.

"I know he was well beaten at Eagle Farm last start but he doesn't race as well there. We were back at Doomben and at the 1000m," she said.

Forster had simple instructions for apprentice Sam Payne and he followed them to the letter.

"I told him to jump Adebisi out and then settle back and enjoy the ride," Forster said.

Meanwhile, promising stayer Shotover River ($2.80) will miss the Melbourne spring carnival despite his impressive win in the Wayne Wilson Memorial Hcp (2100m).

Shotover River is trained by the Meagher family combination of John and his sons Dan and Chris.

Dan Megaher said the trip had been the making of Shotover River but they would use different tactics with him this time.

"He will go for a spell and come back for some summer races in Brisbane before tackling the winter carnivals staying events next year."