Seven-year-old stayer Crafty Cruiser has posted the second Listed victory of his career, winning the Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington.

The Bryce Stanaway-trained gelding, having his 78th start, held off the late run of Martinvast in the 2600-metre race named in honour of one of Australia's greatest jockeys, who died last year.

Stanaway admitted he'd love more horses like Crafty Cruiser, which notched his ninth career win and took his earnings to almost $650,000.

Crafty Cruiser came from midfield for jockey Ben Melham and held a neck advantage over Martinvast with a short neck to Rawnaq third.

"He had a good run and I probably even got to the front a bit soon," Melham said.

Young trainer Archie Alexander was narrowly denied a stakes-race double with Martinvast.

He had earlier prepared Amorino to win the Group Three TAB Rewards Stakes.