A setback ruled import Salon Soldier out of the better races during Sydney's spring carnival but he may yet make his presence felt in Melbourne.

The former German galloper made a belated start to his Australian career at Randwick on Saturday with a dashing 2-1/2 length victory in the Myer Spring Fashion Handicap (1600m).

Trainer Kris Lees said he had hoped to race the five-year-old in some higher profile races before fate intervened.

"He had a setback four weeks ago and that probably did him the world of good," Lees said.

"We were trying to rush him to a better race and I think we're on the right course now."

Salon Soldier won two of his 12 starts in Europe and Dubai but it was his sixth to Novellist at his final start before coming to Australia that gave Lees the best indication of his ability.

"He was only beaten four lengths by Novellist who was favourite for the Arc until he got scratched," Lees said.

"He will go to Melbourne now and we'll just work out what for."

Salon Soldier firmed from $11 into $9 and came from second last on the turn to power over his rivals.

Favourite Our Desert Warrior was second with Single, who took up an uncustomary leader role for much of the race, holding on gamely for third.

Salon Soldier provided Jim Cassidy with his second winner after Multilateral in the opening race.