Trainer Richie Stephenson was quick to thank jockey Jeff Lloyd after Emphasis stayed on course for a Toowoomba Cup tilt.

Emphasis ($3.20) was at the tail of the field and facing a tough task before Lloyd angled him through to beat El Campeador ($8) by long neck in the Asian Plus Handicap (1600m) at Doomben.

"That is why I put the governor (Lloyd) on. He is a genius. It is why I get him whenever I can," Stephenson said.

"Thanks to him I have had a couple of wins lately which is great for a small stable."

Emphasis has done a wonderful job for Stephenson and got his ninth win on Saturday.

Stephenson is keen to run Emphasis in the Toowoomba Cup (2000m) on April 6.

"He can run in the Tatts Mile here in a fortnight and then we can press on to the Cup. I have had a few placings in it but never won," Stephenson said.