Trainer Steve Richards choked back tears after two-year-old Marcado raced to a satisfying debut win at Flemington on Saturday.

"It's been a tough 12 months," Richards said.

He said 2013 had been a difficult year for his stable but was delighted to have a horse aiming at feature races.

"Even little bread of butter horses had mishaps and we really struggled," he said.

Marcado ($11) lived up to Richards' opinion of the son of Choisir, overcoming a tardy getaway to work his way to the front on the rail in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) before proving too strong for his rivals.

Under comeback jockey Steven King, who recently returned from nine months out with a foot injury, Marcado held off Orujo ($6) by three-quarters of a length with 1-3/4 lengths to favourite Lady Sharapova ($3.60) third.

Richards will resist the temptation to back the gelding up in next Saturday's $1 million Group One Blue Diamond and instead return to Flemington for the Group Two Sires' Produce Stakes on March 8.

Richards said he had pinned his hopes on Macardo and even elected not to attend the recent yearling sale in New Zealand to remain with the colt at home.

"I've lived with him seven days a week and we've pulled this off today. I'm really rapt for the connections," he said.

"Hopefully it's onwards and upwards for 2014."

The win was also satisfying for Melbourne Cup-winning rider King who has done plenty of work with Marcado.

He was having just his second city ride since returning last month from his lengthy injury absence and hopes the win was a stepping stone to better things for the horse and more city rides for himself.

"I got one ride today and I won," King said.

"So hopefully, who knows, they might remember me again."