Joao Moreira made an early impact on Super Saturday at Flemington with the superstar jockey winning a Listed race on Pittsburgh Flyer in a finish which had an international flavour.

Moreira, the tearaway leader in the Hong Kong jockeys' premiership, got the best out of the Lee and Shannon Hope-trained filly in the MSS Security Stakes (1100m) to defeat Group One winner Earthquake which had Englishman James Doyle, a retained rider for Godolphin, in the saddle.

Moreira had Pittsburgh Flyer behind the speed from barrier one before he angled onto the back of Earthquake mid-race and then peeled the filly into the clear at the right time so she could make her charge.

Pittsburgh Flyer ($13), with 6.5kg less than Earthquake ($8.50), got home by a long neck with 1-1/4 lengths back to third-placed Ready To Fight ($71).

Shannon Hope said Pittsburgh Flyer had come on from a first-up Moonee Valley placing and the "Joao Moreira factor" added to their confidence.

"It was a great ride," Hope said.

"From barrier one to get into the position that he did and find the best part of the track, I suppose that's why he's number one in the world."

Moreira said Pittsburgh Flyer, who had finished fourth in the Edward Manifold Stakes in the spring, travelled well and gave a good kick when he asked her for an effort.

"When I jumped on top of her in the parade ring she gave me such a good feel and then she didn't let me down in the race," Moreira said.

David Hayes said Sistonic would head for a spell after her unplaced run, believing the filly raced flat after a tough run the start before.