Damien Oliver said a favourable barrier draw helped Prompt Response score a determined win in the Listed Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) at Sandown.
Oliver parked Prompt Response ($2.70 fav) behind the early speed set by Ghenwaa and switched back towards the inside into the home straight, accelerating into the lead 200m out and holding the challenge of Hear The Chant ($19) to score by a long neck with Petition ($8) a neck away third.
Oliver said barrier two made all the difference to Prompt Response.
"She's been knocking on the door all carnival this filly and I think the barrier helped," Oliver said.
"I was able to settle where I wanted and she found for me when I asked for more into the straight.
"It was a good effort and she certainly deserved to win a nice race like this."
Meanwhile, punters gave Michelle Payne a warm welcome after she steered Husson Eagle to victory in the previous race, the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m).
Husson Eagle ($9) was towards the rear into the straight before coming through between horses to defeat Miss Promiscuity ($7.50) by 1 1/4-lengths with Rock 'N' Gold ($15) a long head away third.
Husson Eagle is trained by Payne's brother Patrick and was first-up since finishing unplaced at Caulfield in April.
"He's got a real turn of foot and the race worked out nicely for him," Payne said.
"I've had a nice association with this horse and he's a beautiful little horse. He gives you everything each time he runs and it's nice to get a winner for the owners."
O'Malley started the $3.80 favourite and made late ground to finish sixth.
