Connections made the correct decision in electing to run Phantom Brew at Flemington on Saturday.

The Colin Little-trained stayer was also engaged at Randwick but the owners decided to stay in Melbourne to contest the Western Health Cup (2000m).

Leading throughout under Glen Boss, Phantom Brew ($11) scored by a nose from perennial placegetter Extra Zero ($4) with Tuscan Fire ($9) a neck away third.

"The owners wanted him in Sydney as we thought the race here might have been a bit strong but they made the call to stay here," Little said.

He said there was a chance the gelding could back-up at Flemington next Saturday in a similar race.

Phantom Brew bowed a tendon as a younger horse and Little said the injury hasn't resurfaced despite the gelding topping the scales at around 600kg.

Little said he may look to the Tasmanian summer carnival with Phantom Brew, especially the Hobart Cup in February.

"I've always thought one of those races in Tasmania might suit," Little said.

"A soft track in Hobart wouldn't worry him so the Hobart Cup could be a race we could go for as he may be a bit keen for the Launceston Cup over a longer trip."

Boss said he had studied the replays of Phantom Brew's recent efforts and felt that by allowing the gelding to roll along he would be hard to stop.

"He got in with a light weight today and that's the way you have to ride one-paced stayers," Boss said.

"He gave me a nice kick and even though the margin was short he was never going to get beaten."