Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was forced to throw race tactics out the window but it wasn't enough to stop Killian posting a tradesman-like win in the opening event at Rosehill.Trainer Peter Snowden had hoped to have the colt ridden off the speed in the Simplot Hcp (1200m) but when he jumped well and there was little pace in the race, McEvoy settled him second behind leader Electric Dreams.The on-pace runners dominated the finish with Killian eventually getting the better of the filly to score by three-q

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was forced to throw race tactics out the window but it wasn't enough to stop Killian posting a tradesman-like win in the opening event at Rosehill.

Trainer Peter Snowden had hoped to have the colt ridden off the speed in the Simplot Hcp (1200m) but when he jumped well and there was little pace in the race, McEvoy settled him second behind leader Electric Dreams.

The on-pace runners dominated the finish with Killian eventually getting the better of the filly to score by three-quarters of a length with Monton running on well from the back another short half-head away.

"We wanted to ride him quietly but it didn't pan out that way," Snowden said.

"The main thing is he won.

"He is above average but he's no superstar. I'll probably give him a short break and bring him back for the end of the carnival, races like the Gosford and Hawkesbury Guineas."

Sent out the $4.20 favourite, Killian had little trouble handling the oppressive heat in Sydney on Saturday when temperatures soared above 40 degrees.

Stewards ensured every precaution was taken with the horses racing, including cutting their pre-race parade time to just a few minutes and hosing them down after competition.

Snowden said his team was handling the conditions well.

"Better than me," he said.

"The spray mist they have in the stalls is good and it's actually not too bad today.

"I think they can handle heat better than the humidity."

Topweight Winter King ($5.50 to $4.80) was well backed and enjoyed a good run third on the fence but he couldn't quicken with the leading pair and battled home for fifth.