It was Growl's first win since his victory in the 2006 Herbert Power Handicap, which rocketed him to Caulfield Cup favouritism.

At the time he was rated one of Australia's best young stayers when he took his record to six wins from nine starts before he finished 13th in the Caulfield Cup.

Since then Growl has had two stints in Hong Kong, returning each time after having failed to adjust to the left-handed racing pattern.

Last year Growl was tried as a hurdler, but lost his rider and hurt his leg at his only hurdle start at Oakbank in April.

In 22 starts since the Herbert Power, Growl had not won until yesterday.

David Hayes' stable foreman Gary Fennessy sensed Growl was on the way back to his best when he returned to work late last year.

"In reality, even though he is seven and has done a bit of travelling he's still only had 32 starts. Each time he came back from Hong Kong it took a while for him to get back on to his right leg," Fennessy said.

Growl is owned in Hong Kong and had four starts there in late 2006, early 2007 and again in early 2008. Each time he was trained by Almond Lee before returning to Hayes.

"This time, though, he has been great and his three runs this time in have been excellent. A couple of months ago we started looking at Tasmania and it has paid off," Fennessy said.

Growl ($12.20) took the lead on straightening and went on to win by four lengths from De Fine Lago ($6.50), with Dream Pedlar ($30) four lengths away third.

Fennessy said Growl would be set for the Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 24.

He said the stable would then consider starting him in the Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 8.

"We are also considering the Australian Cup. We will make up our minds during the week," he said.

Second placegetter De Fine Lago had little luck as he was flattened twice in the race, according to his trainer Tony Vasil. Race favourite Rathsallagh ($4.20) missed the start and didn't travel well, finishing a distant last.