But not only did Bernie Hewitt's runner get his opportunity thanks to a scratching, he defied his massive odds to run third in the $50,000 event and book his place in one of Australia's equal-most lucrative four-year-old race.

As one of the top four finishers in the Paleface Adios Stakes The Mustang will now be lining up in the $200,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire this Saturday.

The Mustang (Doug Hewitt) battled home down the Menangle straight on the weekend to finish behind Expensive Ego ($2.10 favourite, Luke McCarthy) and Kowalski Analysis ($8.50, Sofia Arvidsson).

Having narrowly missed his first qualifying opportunity for the Chariots Of Fire during previous week's Group 2 Hondo Grattan Stakes the Hewitt stable looked to defy the odds in a tough second attempt.

Hewitt said The Mustang always had such a performance within him.

"He's always been racing consistently but draws have been his undoing a couple of times. He had a kind draw in this one and managed to get that three-fence spot and it worked out well," he said.

"Obviously they got home in quick sections and he got exposed a fair way out but he's held off a wall of horses fairly comfortably. We're really happy with him and hopefully he can get a good draw for the Chariots, and he'd be a rough place chance again with the right run.

"They might set the track alight in that race and that sort of thing might help him a little if he gets a kind run because he's pretty strong. If they don't leave it to a sprint home - which I don't think they will - he's every chance of running a top five."

The gate three start for The Mustang on Saturday night allowed him to drop back behind Kowalski Analysis straight away, before Expensive Ego took up control of the race.

The leading duo dashed away from the field with 200m to go and left The Mustang to fight the breeze across his entire sprint home, but the Hewitt horse showed his toughness to see off big challenges from both Will The Wizard ($41, Pete McMullen) and Burnham Boy ($26, Blake Fitzpatrick).

This will be Hewitt stable's first attempt at the Chariots Of Fire, and it's an exciting moment for the team to be making their debut in the race with one of their stable favourites.

"This will be our first starter in the Chariots for both Doug and myself," Hewitt said.

"The Mustang has been a favourite for us all the way through. It's great for him to qualify and it's a huge thrill for all of us."

Hewitt didn't have as much luck when driving Make Mine Heaven in Saturday night's Group 2 Sibelia Stakes for mares, finishing second last.

The Chariots Of Fire is the first Group 1 event of the Menangle Miracle Mile carnival, which culminates in the namesake million dollar race on March 3.