Asked what his first thought was when Dal Cielo drew barrier No 15, co-trainer Andrew Forsman said: "Scratch".
Bloodstock agent and manager Bruce Perry said the decision to start was made when the team decided there would be plenty of pace on in what was an extremely competitive race.
Although Dal Cielo had a great run behind the leading bunch he was a vulnerable leader once he struck the front in the home straight and the favourite Selfie looked certain to edge past. But the Baker/Forsman youngster refused to yield and held them out.
The win continued the great start Per Incanto has had to his New Zealand stud career. Perry helped obtain the horse and has been his biggest supporter.
"I've got 14 on my property I either manage or have shares in, so the pressure is on.
"I'm either going to be a hero or an idiot."
The latter is the favourite in that betting market.
Forsman said Dal Cielo is now safely in the field for the Karaka Million so there was no panic to decide whether the youngster needed another race before that event.
"He'll tell us, we're relaxed about it now."
Gotham finished powerfully to edge Selfie out of second and looks another youngster of real promise.
The carnival opened with a comprehensive victory by Allez Eagle, who led from the No 1 barrier for Rory Hutchings and gave nothing a chance.
It was further evidence the 4-year-old is steadily getting his racing confidence back after serious leg issues last season.
"He's getting better, but there is still some improvement," said Hutchings, a big statement given Allez Eagle ran the 1400m in a swift 1:22.64. "He still isn't sure how to let down properly."
Trainer Tony Pike said he is relaxed about what he will aim Allez Eagle for, but will consider the Rich Hill Mile and Trentham's Thorndon Mile.
"If he doesn't get to either of those there is always the Easter here at Ellerslie.
"He's got a huge amount of ability, it's all about his confidence." The chances of well-fancied Taranaki visitor Kawi were virtually extinguished when he walked out of the barriers and settled down with only a couple behind him.
With the winner taking the race from the front in electric time, Kawi had no chance from the 800m, but did remarkably well to storm down the outside to finish fourth, 1.7 lengths from the winner.
Kawi's time for the last 600m and 400m after being five wide on the home bend would have been spectacular.
"Wait until this horse is 4 and 5," said rider Leith Innes of Huka Eagle.
Actually, what we're seeing right now as a 3-year-old is pretty damn good.
Like when he got off the canvas to come back and beat No Tricks in the $45,000 Tip Top 3YO yesterday - three wins now from four starts.
"He's a very good horse this," said Innes.
Tony Pike was not surprised Huka Eagle came back after being clearly headed at the 100m by No Tricks who, to be fair, hadn't raced for two months.
"He's done that before," said Pike. "Volkstok'n'barrell came back at him late last start and just beat him. He's better when he's chasing than when he's in front.
"When he comes back he comes back hard."
Pike said the Karaka Mile is a possible target for Huka Eagle, but no thought will be given to next week's Great Northern Guineas.
