A rejuvenated Archedemus looked quite sour in the paddock but was on his best behaviour to land Saturday's $1 million The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange.
Jockey Jay Ford was forced to dismount from the strong-headed son of Lope De Vega (IRE) on the way to the barriers.
One of the best to begin, Archedemus travelled sweetly on the outside of the pacesetting positive Peace.
He still had plenty to offer when taking the lead shortly after turning for home. The 7yo gelding repelled the challenge of the consistent Dawn Approach (IRE) colt Dawn Passage by a short-neck with the local hope Think It Over (So You Think) one and a half lengths back in third.
A Group III and Listed stakes-winner, Archedemus was having his fourth start since being transferred to Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes.
"Ross Williams, the owner, gave me a call and asked if we would take on this horse and Angel Of The Truth. It would be something we decided to do to get both horses back to form," Michael Hawkes said.
"Angel Of Truth nearly won a Metrop, and this horse had won The Gong. He is well and truly back to form this bloke.
"His run first-up in Melbourne was really good and coming back from Melbourne to Sydney his run was okay, probably the wet track really affected him," he said.
"He just took off from there, his run last start at Hawkesbury was very good and was just found wanting the last little bit. He got going late again after the line.
"I have to go give Jay (Ford) credit. The plan was to go forward, and I said I hope he jumps and let him roll forward and do the rest.
"He's the kind of horse you've got to go that half-length quicker than slower and get his mental attitude right.
"Probably halfway out I was a bit worried they were going too quick. It was a very tenacious and gutsy effort and all credit to Jay and the horse."
The Group II Villiers Stakes is an option for Archedemus although it is more than likely he will head o the paddock.
The 7yo son of Lope de Vega (IRE) advances his record to eight wins, two seconds and one third from 21 starts with earnings of $1,038,730.
A half-brother to the Group III-placed filly Mandylion (Nicconi), Archedemus is the best of four winners from five to race out of the Peintre Celebre mare Carolyn's Star, who had been purchased by Colm Santry Bloodstock for $50,000 at the 2008 Inglis Great Southern Bloodstock Sale.
Carolyn's Star is a granddaughter of the Group 1 SAJC South Australian Derby winner Mapperley Star (Sir Tristram), herself a sister to Group 1 WRC New Zealand Oaks Stakes winner Royal Heights from the family of the champion Battle Heights.
Carolyn's Star missed to Flying Artie in 2018 and foaled a colt by Pride Of Dubai on August 29.
