Favourite, Gracious Prospect, looked home and hosed in the Routley’s Handicap at Caulfield, that is until Polanski, at much greater odds, appeared on the scene and snatched the prize.

He looked a different horse to the one that didn’t do much, in two previous runs, at the provincials.

We will know more about him in two weeks when he goes back to Caulfield, this time it will be 1600 metres.

If he can pull that off, Robbie Laing will have a wider smile on his face than he had on Saturday.

The mile, as we formerly knew it, would be a deciding factor whether the gelding is spelled and aimed towards the Derby.

Polanski winning at Caulfield

It could develop into rags to riches story if he won the Derby, as he was purchased for $4,000 as a yearling.

He is by Ratki, a top horse in his own right, he won 11 in the best of company, however, he did have a problem when he raced, he was never quite genuine.

One may recall the trouble they had with him going to the barrier at Newbury for the Lockridge Stakes, when he defeated Elvstroem.

Unfortunately Ratki has had so few runners, he was fatally injured in his box overnight a few years ago.

Robbie Laing, Dean Yendall, Jack Fraser