South Australian galloper Hucklebuck has handed jockey Dom Tourneur a first Group 1 success in the Emirates Stakes at Flemington.

Hucklebuck was unfancied in betting, sent to post a $10 chance after opening up inside $5.00 earlier in the week, but under a confident ride from Tourneur he dismissed any doubts about staying the mile with an emphatic success.

Tourneur had Hucklebuck ideally placed, fifth with cover, throughout the race which was run at a solid clip with The Cleaner out setting the gallop.

Hucklebuck rolled out to make his challenge as they straightened, never breaking stride, and had soon picked off The Cleaner and was out on his own.

He rallied strongly inside the final 200m to hold off a big challenge from Lucky Hussler who had to settle for second, a brave as ever The Cleaner was as game as ever clinging onto third ahead of Leebaz and Hooked.

“Just a magnificent feeling,” exclaimed an elated Tourneur.

“He was friendless today in the betting. He had a lot of doubters about the trip, obviously backing up, but he’s got a lot more friends now

“I was happy where I was, on the back of Leebaz and Hooked, who I thought were the two main chances.

“When I let him go he put paid to the race. He was too good.”

It was a second win on the card for South Australian trainer Phillip Stokes and a third Group 1 win overall.

“This means so much to me,” said Stokes.

“He just tries so hard this horse.

“Dom gave him a great ride, he got there early but he probably had to.

“The South Australian horses punch above their weight all the time.

“It’s just great, great for everyone.”