After finding a sit one-out and one-back in the 2,260 metres feature race, Mojo Major took off at the 800m mark.

Only Nathan Hurst’s Saloon Passage, the $1.60 favourite, had the legs to react to the acceleration and it became a battle of two in the dash to the line.

Mojo Major ($5) was able to keep his mind on the task and held on to win by a half head over Saloon Passage, the effort of that pair leaving third-placed Lexus On The Beach ($28.90) 27½m behind them.

It was the first time since Barry Lew’s star Karloo Mick won in 2011 that the annual feature had been taken out by a visitor.

Driver Robbie Morris was delighted with the effort of the Art Major x Serenity Franco five-year-old, who made it six wins from 11 starts this season.

“Kerry sits down and plans these races out and this race looked like a good one for him. He’s a really good horse and we knew it was going to be a good little test for him, but he fought them off really good, I was really happy with him,” Morris said.

“He feels great at the moment and it’s a credit to the team, because when he came to us he was a bit of a headcase. Sometimes he’d try and sometimes he wouldn’t and he’s a rig, so he’s got a mind of his own.”

When the green light was given in the $7,800 race, Morris initially found himself on the back of Isle Of Man after going from barrier nine.

But as Beetson rolled to the lead, Morris got Mojo Major off the pegs and into the one-one. From there he made his move.

“I had a little bit of luck early when I drove through hard and I was able to get off the fence, that worked in my favour. When I got into that position, he really fought not to let the other horse back in front of me,” Morris said.

“It probably turned into a bit more of a battle than I would’ve liked, but luckily my horse is up to it and he fought on really good.

“He’s one of them horses, he’ll let them get to him, but very rarely does one get past him, he’s a strong horse.”