Prolific Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams conceded defeat with English stayer Goathland last winter.
But trainer Kim Waugh is more than happy to take on the six-year-old gelding and prove he can still win, if not at the highest level.
Goathland made a triumphant return to racing for his new trainer at Randwick, claiming the Anzac Day Cup (1800m) in his first race since June.
Wyong-based Waugh and her husband Mark had no hesitation in bringing Goathland and Our Century from Robert Hickmott’s stable.
“Lloyd is a good friend of Mark’s and they talked and Mark said “If you’ve got anything you want to get rid of let us know’,” Waugh said.
“Lloyd’s plan is win the Melbourne Cup or we sell them. I’m happy to take seconds.”
Waugh sensed Goathland ($6.50) was ready to return after he won both barrier trials, including the last over 1200m, before hitting the line first when it mattered most with Blake Shinn.
Goathland beat Etymology, the $3.50 favourite, by 1-1/2 lengths while Karavali ($6.50) was a short head third.
“He’s a really nice horse, and he’s proved he’s as good as I thought he was.” Waugh said.
“We’re hoping he goes to the better races, we’re not sure where yet.”
Shinn downplayed his involvement.
“I just did the steering. Full credit to Kim to get him first-up 1800 and produce him to win is an amazing effort,” he said.
“He’s a free-rolling type of horse who can sustain it at both ends.”