Ridden by apprentice Wiremu Pinn, Dolphin Skin ($8) scored a half-head win over Line 'Em Up Louie ($3.10) with the $3 favourite Sunsource a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
Troy Corstens only arrived back in Melbourne following a trip to England for the Royal Ascot meeting in the early hours of Saturday.
"I was on a plane and landed in Hong Kong when I got a message that the favourite (Steparty) was out," Corstens said.
"I said 'beautiful, we might be able to pick up some Black Type' and then when I saw the other horse (African Pioneer) out as well, I was rapt.
"I've been really pleased with her and her first run down the straight was terrific.
"Danny O'Brien commented that (VRC Oaks winner) Miami Bound ran well in the same race first-up and I'm hoping that we can get her out over a trip."
Corstens said providing Dolphin Skin recovers well, the Byerly Handicap (1800m) at Flemington on July 15 was likely to be the next assignment for the filly.
Success in that race gives the winner a ballot exemption into either the Victoria Derby or the VRC Oaks at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
"She's up and going really well, so we'll be keeping her going for the moment," Corstens said.
"There's no pressure from the owners as it's mostly me as well."
For Pinn, it was his first win at Stakes level since moving across from New Zealand in May.
"It's pretty special," Pinn said.
"There are no claiming races today, so I'm grateful they kept me on. They could have had a good jockey on like Shinny (Blake Shinn), or someone else, but they've kept me on.
"I thought we had no hope with Steparty in there, but when he came out, I was really confident."
