Champion jockey Damien Oliver has given Bow Creek a glowing report after the imported galloper produced a spirited finish to win the Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield.

The Godolphin-owned, John O'Shea-trained Bow Creek stamped his Australian Cup claims as he overcome a slow start to power to a 1-1/2 length victory on Saturday.

"That was awesome. A really breathtaking last 200 metres," Oliver said.

"Between the 400 to the 200 he was good but he just dropped the hammer at the 200, pinned his ears back and lowered, and he's got great acceleration."

Oliver was riding Bow Creek in a race for the first time but said he knew from watching the import's previous races that he possessed an impressive turn of speed.

He said that allowed him to ride the five-year-old with confidence and bank on the horse being able to take a gap if it appeared near the inside in the straight after settling midfield.

"When the gaps come, most gaps go quicker than the horse but this horse goes quicker than the gaps," Oliver said.

The victory was Bow Creek's first success in Australia.

He was an eye-catching, and arguably unlucky, second to Turn Me Loose in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley in his Australian debut last October before being unplaced in the Emirates Stakes.

He had excuses when unplaced first-up in the CF Orr Stakes two weeks ago, striking trouble in the straight.

Bow Creek has firmed from $5.50 favourite to $4 for the Australian Cup on March 12.

Bow Creek ($5) defeated Fenway ($7) with leader Mourinho ($15) holding on for third, another long neck away.