The decision to bypass a midweek race paid off for connections of East Afrika when the filly broke through in a more lucrative event at Moonee Valley.

The Pat Carey-trained filly worked her way through the field in Saturday's William Hill Handicap (1600m) under apprentice Patrick Moloney to beat She Can Shazam ($7.50) by a head.

Sebring Warrior ($11) finished a long neck away third.

Carey also had East Afrika in a Maiden at Sale on Thursday but scratched her to run in the $80,000 city race.

"It's always nice to break your maiden and it's better to do it for 80 grand," Carey said.

"I wasn't sure when entries came out whether she would get a run (in Saturday's race) so I accepted with her at Sale as a safeguard.

"When she got a run and Patrick was able to ride her, we decided to run here."

East Afrika ($11) was having her 11th start and Carey said the daughter of Time Thief could progress towards the Rivette Series Final at Flemington in July.

The Mornington trainer praised the ride of Moloney, Melbourne's leading apprentice.

"Pat gave her a beautiful economical ride through the field and it probably underlines why he's one of the rising talents in Victorian racing," Carey said.