Justin Webb has always known Roguish has ability but is thrilled to see him show it on the racetrack.

The 1500m handicap at Rosehill was the Tim Martin-trained gelding's first Saturday metropolitan win.

It also represented a rare city victory for jockey Adam Hyeronimus.

Roguish skipped clear late in the straight and held off the challenge from Speed Hero by half a length.

"We always knew he had good ability but it's good to see him show it on a racetrack," part-owner Webb said.

Although Roguish was a bit keen out of the gates, Hyeronimus gave him the run of the race.

"He probably found the 1500 (metres) out there a little bit late. I don't know whether he was just waiting for something else to come with him or he just couldn't really run the 1500 out," he said.

The Chris Waller-trained Chandana finished third by half a neck, followed by the Snowden-trained Level Eight.