Blinkers have done the trick with Mulaqen who has returned to winning form at Moonee Valley.

Trainer Chris Waller elected to put blinkers on the seven-year-old import for the first time in Saturday's Craig Opie Cup (2500m).

And with Glen Boss aboard, the gelding responded to win by a length.

It was Mulaqen's first win since last spring and Boss, who was called on by Waller for four Moonee Valley rides, was in no doubt the gear change made a difference.

"I rode him in work on Tuesday here and was quite surprised he had never had blinkers on him before," Boss said.

"That was the key to him travelling in a controlling position the whole way and he had a bit more of a turn of foot today than what he has shown."

Mulaqen ($7.50) settled third with the Gai Waterhouse-trained Hippopus leading the field until the turn.

Boss had Mulaqen in position to strike and he surged to the front before holding his advantage over $2.30 favourite Count Encosta.

Crafty Cruiser was another long head away third.

It was a better start for the Waller team than last Saturday's Melbourne meeting when three-year-old filly Amicus had been first across the line in the first race at Caulfield only to lose the race on protest.