An aborted trip to Brisbane for imported galloper Articus has paid dividends for Brad Rawiller at Flemington.

Articus had to settle for a consolation win in the Chairman's Club Handicap (1800m) on Saturday after being withdrawn from the AD Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast.

The French-bred stallion was already aboard a Brisbane-bound plane when he was offloaded to make room for other cargo.

Articus will attempt a second trip to Brisbane for the Group One Doomben Cup on May 20.

Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Articus was backed from $8 to $6 before scoring by a length from Haradafull ($5), with Show A Star ($9.50) a further 2-1/4 lengths away third.

Articus came to Australia with German trainer Andreas Wohler for the 2016 Caulfield Cup, finishing 13th to Jameka.

He remained in Australia with Darren Weir and had his first start for the Ballarat-based horseman in the Victoria Handicap, finishing 13th to Hooked at Caulfield on April 15.

Rawiller said Articus was in a different league to his rivals on Saturday.

"The race worked out beautifully for him," Rawiller said.

"Before the turn I had him stoked and ready to fire and I didn't expect him to pick them up that quick.

"Over the last bit it was a matter of keeping him interested. I was switching the whip over left and right, making sure he didn't clock right off.

"It's all good for the future."

The $4.20 favourite, War Legend, finished a weakening eighth but bled from both nostrils, incurring an automatic three-month ban from racing.