Partnered by apprentice jockey Regan Bayliss, the David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained overseas import crossed from a wide barrier and led basically from start to finish to take out the $300,000 feature.

The $14.90 outsider hit the line ahead of Scherzoso, with Manageress, ridden by Michelle Payne, third.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” Dabernig said.

“I think it was the first time at the trip and today we drew the wide gate and our hand was forced to go forward.

“We didn’t expect him to lead, but he got there quite easily and these imports, we’ve seen them right throughout the spring, if they sit on the pace and get into a rhythm, they can really take a lot of catching.”

Dabernig said the horse will be better suited over further than 2000m in the future and expected him to now be given a break ahead of an autumn campaign.

Winning jockey Regan Bayliss said Pilote D'Essai always felt comfortable.

He said he was able to cross the field from his wide gate relatively easily.

"He let down well, he pricked his ears. He felt terrific."

Riding Pilote D'Essai for the first time, Bayliss said it was the among bigger wins of his career - made that more special being in front of a big crowd.

He said although it was his first race ride on the five-year-old, he was regularly aboard him in track work.

Bayliss has been with the Lindsay Park training operation for six months and said it was always great to ride a winner for the bosses.