Talented sprinter Huxssen landed his first black-type win when he launched his customary explosive finishing run to take out the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.Prepared at nearby Mt Eliza by Rod Douglas and ridden by James Winks, the Hussonet four-year-old, sent out at $7, settled back midfield on the fence but was too strong in the run to the line and scored by a long neck from Mr Baritone ($21).Captain Coltish, backed from $3.80 to $3.10 equal favouritism, was three-quarters of a length away thi

Talented sprinter Huxssen landed his first black-type win when he launched his customary explosive finishing run to take out the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.

Prepared at nearby Mt Eliza by Rod Douglas and ridden by James Winks, the Hussonet four-year-old, sent out at $7, settled back midfield on the fence but was too strong in the run to the line and scored by a long neck from Mr Baritone ($21).

Captain Coltish, backed from $3.80 to $3.10 equal favouritism, was three-quarters of a length away third.

Douglas was confident Huxssen could win Wednesday's Listed 1200m event given the right luck in running as the gelding settles back in his races.

"We all know his ability. I said to Winksy 'if they go hard enough they won't beat him'," he said.

Douglas' confidence in Huxssen, who ran seventh, beaten just 2-1/2 lengths, to the classy All Silent in the Group Two Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last October, was justified.

"He's such a gifted galloper. Some say he's a pretender but he's a contender, he's such a good horse and he got into this race with 53kg."

Winks did a good job to get Huxssen across to the rail after drawing barrier 11 in the 12-horse field and he said the horse travelled beautifully.

"I didn't have to hit him with the whip. All I had to do was put my hand on his neck," Winks said.

Douglas said Huxssen, who has won five of his 15 starts, would next tackle the Group Three Melbourne Food And Wine Plate (1400m) at Flemington on March 6.

A longer-range target could be the Group One Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.

Three-year-old Carrara ($3.10 equal fav), who had chased home top colt Denman at his past two starts, was dropping back from 1400m and finished fourth after being handy throughout.