The past few weeks have been hard on New Zealand trainer Donna Logan and her day at Rosehill started badly when stable star Rising Romance was beaten.

Her afternoon improved immeasurably when Volkstok'n'barrell beat a quality field of three-year-olds in the Group One Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday on what would have been the 48th birthday of her training partner and former husband Dean Logan who died earlier this month.

In a race in which Hallowed Crown ($2.80) and Sweynesse ($2.90) divided punters, Volkstok'n'barrell was sent out at $7.

But at the business end of the race, he was the one with all the reserves to wear down Victoria Derby winner Preferment ($31) to win by a short head.

Hallowed Crown finished 1-1/4 lengths away third at his first attempt beyond 1600m with Sweyenesse fourth.

"It's a long way from Ruakaka to Rosehill. You never know whether you are up to it," Logan said.

"Today would have been Dean's 48th birthday. It was also our wedding anniversary. Although we were no longer married, we were close.

"And to see this horse win after he was beaten in the New Zealand Derby is great.

"I didn't know what to expect but he travelled over here so well and is so laid back I hoped he would run well."

Craig Williams, who was the culprit when Scratchy Bottom beat Rising Romance in the Epona Stakes, rode Volkstok'n'barrell - with a little help.

"I did feel your hand on my neck," Williams told Logan.

"And at the 100 (metres) I called on Dean and at the 50, Dean persevered.

"He's such a lazy, laid-back horse."

Williams was adamant the gelding should press on to the Australian Derby despite his defeat by Mogolian Khan in the New Zealand equivalent.

"Of course," he said, paying tribute to the trainer.

"Donna's put on a really brave face to get here. She's turned her horse out, she's gone on and done her job like a CEO of any company and the horse delivered."

Preferment's trainer Chris Waller was rapt with the effort of the colt who was immediately elevated to Derby favouritism with Volkstok'n'barrell firming to second elect.

"He'll be there in two weeks having a crack," Waller said.

And Volkstok'n'barrell will also be there.

"Bring it on," Logan said.