Most racehorses are well into retirement by Nat King Cu's age, but a tree change has revitalised the nine-year-old, helping the veteran record his first city win in 56 starts.

The gelding had until May spent his career under the guidance of Canberra trainer Nick Olive before his owners took a punt and moved him to the Warwick Farm stables of Jason Coyle.

Whether it's the warmer mornings, different voices or a new attitude, the horse has turned a corner.

His dashing win - his first in 19 city starts - came on the back of two consecutive placings at his new home.

"He's done it all himself," Coyle said.

"He came to me as a fit horse from Nick Olive.

"His new surroundings have worked so we'll just keep ticking him over until he says otherwise."

Jockey Tim Clark, who secured a winning treble with Nat King Cu, was pleased to get over the line after the pair were edged out last start.

"I thought he'd won last time he ran here," Clark said.