Keen Array returned to form with a strong win in the Group II Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington with favourite Spieth finishing second last.
Unplaced in his four starts this preparation, Keen Array ($8) found plenty in a driving finish to edge Queenslander Sold For Song ($20) by a half head with Malibu Style ($26) a short head away third.
The $2.80 favourite Spieth was always chasing and was beaten four lengths into eighth while The Quarterback ($16) was last all the way.
Tom Dabernig, who trains Keen Array in partnership with David and Ben Hayes, said the five-year-old had taken time to get fit.
"He's an older horse now and he's such a big horse I think he's just taken time to get fit after having a long time off," Dabernig said.
"I must admit we were disappointed with his last start at Caulfield - he was up on the pace but didn't finish it off.
"He was certainly strong through the line there so it's all positive."
Dabernig said the Perth summer carnival could be an option for Keen Array.
"We'll see how he comes through this before we make any plans but it's certainly a good time of year to have a horse in form," Dabernig said.
"This win opens up a few options and we might even think about the Perth summer carnival."
Corey Brown could offer no reason for the disappointing effort of Spieth.
"Really disappointing, he had an easy enough run and followed the horse I thought was the one to beat but there was no Spieth of old," Brown said.
"When we got to about the 150(m) he threw the white flag up."
