Phantom Brew has returned from an enforced let-up to produce a bold front-running win at Caulfield.

The Colin Little-trained gelding pulled up sore after winning at Flemington in December, forcing the trainer to back off the gelding's training.

Phantom Brew remained in Little's stable and the trainer said he pinpointed Saturday's benchmark race over 1800m a month ago as a suitable option.

Jockey Luke Nolen didn't fight the seven-year-old gelding and allowed him to bowl along in front, opening up about an eight-length margin on his rivals during the race.

Phantom Brew ($12) still had a healthy lead turning for home and he lasted to defeat Index Linked ($19) by a length with three-quarters of a length to Harveys True Heart ($10) third.

Little said they had tried for a few years to get Phantom Brew to settle but said he just likes to run.

"He's a lovely horse. He's been in work six months. He pulled up sore after Flemington but he loves stable life, he loves racing and he loves to bowl along."