San Telmo has confirmed his rating as one of the most promising stayers in Queensland with victory at the Sunshine Coast.

San Telmo was sent out $2.20 favourite in Saturday's 2200m-open handicap despite being still a Class Three horse.

Given the run of the race by James Orman, San Telmo held on to beat Frightening Bolt ($20) by a half head with three-quarters of a length to Magnatune ($16).

Trainer Brad Smith bought San Telmo, who was previously trained by Anthony Cummings, with a staying career in mind.

In nine races for Smith, San Telmo has won three times and been minor placed five times.

At his previous start San Telmo was beaten about two lengths into sixth behind in the Magic Millions Trophy won by Stratum Star.

"Brenton Avdulla rode him and said if he had drawn a barrier he would have been in the finish with a Group One horse like Stratum Star. It was good form for a race like this," Smith said.

He said there were two options for San Telmo.

"Firstly we might give him a little break and get him ready for the Toowoomba Cup in April or we can give him a longer spell and look to the Ipswich Cup later in the year," Smith said.

"Either way we will look at the Magic Millions Trophy again next year. He doesn't get many chances to run in a million dollar race so it is the obvious long term target."