Seven-year-old Sydney galloper Hadaaf has broken through for his first win on Victorian soil digging deep to win the $50,000 CFMEU-FFTS handicap (1660m) on a rain soaked Moonee Valley circuit.

Hadaaf ($2.90) led throughout the 1600m event dictating an even pace which left the back markers with next to no chance, however he didn't sprint as many would've expected instead grinding out a gutsy victory defeating Raeburn ($6.70) by just a head with Blue Oscar ($2.40) just a further head away third, after a three horse war for the length of the straight.

The decision to bring the striking grey to Victoria for the race was a lucrative one but as trainer Joseph Pride explained it was not nearly as good as the decision to purchase the gelding in the first place.

"We only paid $25,000 for him at a tried racehorse sale," said Pride.

"He has won in excess of $600,000 now and is the best advertisement for racehorse ownership going about."

The win was the first in Victoria for the son of Danewin, but according to Pride he wont be staying here for any more.

"His next run will be at Rosehill, the listed Sky High over 1900m," he said.

"He is such a versatile horse this one, you just have to place him to best effect."

Pride certainly did that but the victory also bought up a winning double for jockey Craig Williams whose effort on the favourite was outstanding, a favourite Williams expected to be shorter.

"I really would've thought he'd started shorter than that with his strong form," said Williams after the win.

Despite leading all the way and appearing to set a pace giving very few others a chance, Williams admitted there were some anxious moments.

"I thought with the sectionals I got away with early that he would've sprinted a bit faster, but when I realised he wasn't going to ping I cuddled him for as long as I could and he managed to wind up," Williams said.

"The run felt like a horse who wanted further," he added.

Hadaaf has now won fifteen times since beginning his career in 2004 with a win for Tim Martin.