Stand To Gain has had to call on all of his staying powers to land the feature jumping event on day two of the Warrnambool three-day carnival.

The 2011 Sydney Cup winner posted his second win in 12 jumps starts when he fought back after being headed in the straight to win the Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) on Wednesday.

Sent to the front by jockey Paul Hamblin, Stand To Gain ($21) was headed by Zuhayr ($12) soon after clearing the final obstacle before fighting back to score by a head.

Hamblin thought he was set for defeat when Zuhayr went past him but on balancing felt nine-year-old Stand To Gain pick himself up.

"When we levelled out about 50 metres after the last jump I could feel him surge underneath me and that gave me confidence of running him (Zuhayr) down," Hamblin said.

"I didn't intend on going out there to lead and if I can get a sit one day that will be fine.

"But when they left me in front I was happy to take up the lead.

"He's a horse that doesn't quicken but is one that keeps on fighting."

New Zealand jumper Back In Black ($15) was a further 4-1/2 lengths away third.

Stand To Gain's task was made easier when two of the favoured runners - Fieldmaster ($2.80) and Beer Garden ($5.50) - both fell.

The horses and their respective riders Brad McLean and Patrick Flood escaped injury.

Stand To Gain joined the stable of Bob Challis from the Sydney yard of Chris Waller in 2013.

Challis, who also works as a clerk of the course at Victorian race meetings, was represented by his partner Liz Irwin who said it had taken a lot of work to get Stand To Gain to perform at his peak.

"It's been a hard road with him as he's had a few problems but he's really happy in himself at the moment," Irwin said.

"This year everything has come together and he's been jumping brilliantly."