Melbourne filly Snitty Kitty wasn't at home on the track but she was still too good in the Queensland Lightning at Doomben.
Jockey Tim Clark reported Snitty Kitty ($4.40) had found the track a little strange before she held on to beat Upstart Pride ($11) by a neck in the Listed race.
"It was a good run considering and it was only her second start the clockwise way of going," Clark said.
"She will be a lot better the next time she goes this way."
Snitty Kitty had run second at Scone at her previous start in the middle leg of a three-state campaign planned by Caulfield trainer Henry Dwyer.
Stable representative John McLachlan said he expected Snitty Kitty would remain in Queensland for another start.
"We will have to see what is exactly available now a couple of the meetings have been moved to other tracks," he said.
McLachlan agreed that Snitty Kitty would be all the better for the clockwise run.
He said Snitty Kitty, as a daughter of super sire Snitzel, had added plenty of value to her career as a broodmare with the black-type win.
Blake Shinn said Upstart Pride had hit the line better than any other horse.
"It was a super effort to just miss," he said.
Jeff Lloyd, who rode third placed Prompt Return ($4.60), said he didn't expect to lead but he had begun so well he had let his mount stride.