An astonishing run of outs for Melbourne's premier trainer Peter Moody ended with the win of a horse who had also been on an extensive search for a city win.

Moody had sent out 73 successive losers in town before Thermal Current amended the record for both himself and his trainer in the Group Three Telstra Phonewords Stakes (1200m).

Moody had shopped around three states looking for a city success for Thermal Current, a colt who had shaped as a Blue Diamond prospect last autumn.

"We'd always pitched him at the top level and he'd run well enough," Moody said.

"So he deserved to win a good race."

Thermal Current ($7) scored by a long head from favourite Not Listenin'tome ($2.30) after being in a seemingly hopeless position 80 metres from the line when the persistence of jockey Ben Melham prevailed.

Having secured the breakthrough win, Moody is likely to reward Thermal Current with a rest.

"There are a few races for him, but he was freshened up before this and I think you'll find their best effort after a freshen up is their first," he said.

Moody's previous city winner was Lidari at Caulfield on August 30.