A typically confident front-running ride by Jim Cassidy on Cantonese at Rosehill has given trainer Bjorn Baker his first solo stakes win in the Christmas Cup.

An experienced Group One winner when in partnership with his New Zealand-based father Murray, Baker branched out on his own in Sydney at the beginning of last season.

He bought Cantonese from Gerry Harvey just over three months ago and in nine starts for Baker, the gelding has won six times.

Saturday's Christmas Cup was his first attempt at 2400 metres and he did as punters who backed him to $3.40 favouritism expected, widening the margin on his rivals in the run to the line.

Iggi Pop ($3.90) led the chase behind him but was six lengths in arrears with Fiumicino ($5) another two lengths third.

The Summer Cup on Boxing Day and the Group One Auckland Cup are options being considered for Cantonese.

""We'll look at the options," Baker said.

"We won't say no to anything at the moment.

"He's a very special horse to me and the owners and I really enjoyed watching it.

"That last 100 metres was a bit like Lion Tamer.

"It's my first stakes winner in my own right and it's very important to me."

Lion Tamer won the 2010 Victoria Derby for Baker and his father.

Cantonese covered the 2400m in a slick 2:28.79 which Cassidy said added merit to his effort.

"He high-balled the whole way and proved he can run time which is a good sign," he said.

"The horse is a credit to Bjorn."

Baker deflected some of that credit to apprentice Jenny Duggan who was replaced by Cassidy for the feature.

Duggan has won five races on Cantonese but Baker decided a senior rider was needed for the Cup.

"I feel for Jenny," he said.

"She has done a great job on him but because she couldn't use her claim we decided to go with a senior jockey and Jimmy is one of the greats."

Duggan watched on from the sidelines.

"It was mixed emotions for me," she said.

"Of course I was pleased to see him win but also a bit sad.

"But my time will come."