The decision to chase wet weather has paid off handsomely for connections of Victorian mare Birds Of Tokyo.
A late nomination for the first race on the Randwick program, Birds Of Tokyo handled the heavy track with ease to win the Benchmark 78 (1800m) by 6-1/4 lengths.
A last-start winner over 1623 metres at Moe, Birds Of Tokyo ($8) won from Firebird Flyer ($4.40) who edged Defrost My Heart ($9) out of second by a short head.
Owner Todd Schwartz said he and trainer Luke Oliver decided to bring the mare to Sydney when there were only six entries.
"Luke and I discussed it and when more rain came, the more confident we became," Schwartz said.
"She had only won two races before but she had been unlucky."
The mare's jockey Kathy O'Hara said she let Birds Of Tokyo get into her rhythm.
"She is an out-and-out swimmer," O'Hara said.
"She settled well in front and could have won by further. She made it feel like a good track."