Lee Freedman passed a lot of the credit for the first-up win of Strykum at Moonee Valley to jockey Ben Melham.

It was on Melham's recommendation that blinkers be applied to Strykum's gear in the Queen Moonee Valley Plate (1200m) on Saturday.

Jumping straight to the front, Strykum ($3.40) was able to get away with an easy first part of the race before scoring by 1-1/4 lengths from the favourite Just One Moment ($2.8) with Sebring Sally ($5) a half-head away third.

Melham said Strykum had become complacent in her trackwork.

"A lot of people were potting her first time in blinkers at 1200 (metres)," Melham said.

"I knew if we had a few cheap sectionals early we would be hard to beat.

"She got that, we were able to kick away and she was strong to the line."

Freedman said he respected Melham's judgment.

"He's a very good horseman," Freedman said.

Even though Strykum has been successful at Group Three level in Adelaide, Freedman said he was likely to keep her away from the better fillies.

He said Saturday's race set up well for the filly, but noted 1200m was as far as she wants.

The daughter of Stryker may return to Moonee Valley for a similar race on September 5 or be held over for a straight 1200m race at Flemington the following week.

Freedman said the win was special because the filly is owned by members of his staff.

"They can't sack the trainer or I'll sack them," he said.