In a race marred by scratchings which saw just four greet the starter, the veteran Tamworth sprinter packed too much punch.

Hammoon Boy ($4.00) downed favourite Salerno by a half-length for his ninth career victory from 44 starts.

Todd Grills, representing his mother Sue, was pleased to see the seven-year-old return to winning ways.

“He stripped fit today third-up at 1200m on a heavy track,” Grills said.

“He just needs a bit of a sting out of the ground because he’s a bit older now.

“We were pretty confident before the scratchings, but when it fell away there were no excuses.”

Winning jockey Andrew Gibbons reported Hammoon Boy did the job with a touch of authority.

“I knew he was the best horse in the race, it was just a matter of him getting it done,” Gibbons said.