Heavily backed favourite Big Swinger produced a dramatic victory at Caulfield, surviving a torrid run in transit to claim the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m) on Saturday. Trainer Charlotte Littlefield and her team were relieved after the $1.80 favourite was momentarily blocked before powering home to win by a half-head.

Jockey Ben Allen admitted post-race that the gelding was “almost a trainwreck” in the run, but praised his acceleration once clear. Big Swinger surged past Flyer ($21) late, with third-placed No Fooling ($5.50) also in the mix. The result was warmly received by punters on online betting sites.

Julian Hay, who represents the stable, was full of praise. “He’s the best horse we’ve ever trained, I think. He’s got that much ability. It’s scary at track work, what sort of times he can run.”

The team is considering bypassing the Creswick Stakes in favour of a spell, targeting the late spring instead. “He’s still very soft boned. He’s a long horse, and he’s just not there yet,” said Hay.

Allen, who also won earlier with Salty Pearl, believes Big Swinger will only improve. “He was quite keen. But the way he finished off, he’s definitely going to go through the grades with that kind of finish.”