The Queensland Derby has been pencilled in for emerging three-year-old Hawkspur who has capitalised on his breakthrough midweek win last start to claim another victory at Rosehill.

Ten days after his 1850m win at Newcastle, Hawkspur fought hard to win the Blackwoods Apex Tools (1800m) on Saturday.

Sent out the $2.05 favourite, the gelding had to be urged over the final stages by Corey Brown to claim Mintaro ($12) by a short half head with Ferment ($3.60) another 1-1/4 lengths away.

Trainer Chris Waller said Hawkspur would have one more summer start then be rested with the Queensland winter carnival in mind.

"I don't like to plan too far ahead but he could be a Queensland winter horse," Waller said.

"The Derby is obviously the race for three-year-old stayers but if he can win races going into the Derby then that would be good.

"He has been a model of consistency and we haven't missed him.

"He has always shown that he will be a handy horse. We'll find another race like this then give him a break."

The gelding had run five second placings on his way to his first victory.

His staying potential contrasts with his sprinting pedigree with the gelding by Purrealist out of Catbird mare Mollyhawk.