Field-shy mare Goldslick appreciated some open spaces when she won her first race in 14 starts and 553 days at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Goldslick ($6) campaigned in Melbourne for a couple of years but returned to Eagle Farm trainer Liam Birchley in October and has had four runs since.

She finished powerfully to overhaul the favourite Avalanches ($2.45) by a short neck in the Stuart James Memorial (1800m).

"She has been a bit field shy and hasn't really had a chance to stretch out in the big fields at Doomben of late," Birchley said.

"But she appreciated the way the race was run and the softer track today."

Birchley said Goldslick would head to the Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) on January 10.

Smart galloper Flying Riddle will back-up in next week's Bat Out of Hell at the Gold Coast after he returned to winning form.

Flying Riddle ($11) ran second last at his previous start at Doomben but stormed home from second last to beat Trail Boss ($12) by 3-3/4 lengths in the Scheinder Electric Handicap.

Stable spokesman Graeme Green said the key to the win had been getting Flying Riddle to settle back in the field with some cover.

"He can panic if he sees daylight too soon. But if gets cover Flying Riddle can really sprint when he gets out in the straight," Green said.