Summer has so far been quiet for Gai Waterhouse but Samui Lad's victory at Rosehill could help lay the platform for a surge in stable fortunes.

Samui Lad produced a determined effort to fend off his challengers for an all-the-way win in the Parramatta Leagues Club Handicap.

Waterhouse is on her annual end of year holiday and the victory was a welcome one for her stable.

"We've had a couple of little disappointments of late but we haven't had many runners," stable representative Mark Newnham said.

"We've got a good week coming up with the Magic Millions and we've got a couple of nice horses going to Wyong for that.

"Hopefully we can finish on a nice note before Gai gets back."

Waterhouse has Certitude nominated for Thursday's Wyong Magic Millions race for two-year-olds and Driefontein will resume in the Magic Millions race for three-year-olds.

Rawiller was full of praise for Samui Lad's tenacity after he rode him aggressively to cross and lead the field.

"The thing I like about him is that you think he's beaten and then he just gives you that bit more when you need it," Rawiller said.

Samui Lad got the better of Capital Commander by half a length with a neck to Happy Hussy third.