A couple of surgical procedures have helped Handfast begin to realise his hidden potential.

The three-year-old claimed his first stakes win at Randwick on Saturday when he powered home to beat Santa Ana Lane in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m).

Handfast was placed twice at black-type level as a two-year-old but but was forced to undergo surgery for a throat problem and didn't begin his three-year-old year until February when he returned as a gelding.

"He had throat surgery as a young horse and he's winning now he can breathe," trainer John O'Shea said.

"He was also gelded and that has helped too."

The Godolphin team had a forgettable first day of the Championships a week ago but Handfast's win in Saturday's second race had them off to a good start on Day Two.

O'Shea said the $200,000 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) on April 30 was a possible target for Handfast.

"We'll take a look at that," he said.

"It seems like it would suit but it depends how much juice is left in the orange."