A lack of race experience meant little for Troubles in the $150,000 Group 2 Yallambee Classic (1200m).

The talented gelding, despite having just his third race start, proved too strong for his rivals and gave replacement rider Brian Park his first Group success.

Park, who picked up the ride after Patrick Payne injured a hand, settled the gelding on the fence but edged off the rail after straightening and burst through the pack.

The favourite, The Big Chill, rattled home from the tail to finish a close second and provide the Aquanita stable with the quinella. Local hope Zip Zip Aray also worked home late at big odds to edge Feel the Noise out of a photo for third.

"He has taken some very big steps," winning trainer Robert Smerdon said.

"He’s come from a night win on debut to an unlucky defeat in stakes grade last start to a Group 2 win today. He’s obviously a high-class horse. He was disadvantaged at the weights but did it on raw ability. It’s a real test for them mentally as well, taking on tough horses like this but he’s just so casual."

The win now exempts Troubles from the ballot of the $300,000 Group 1 Honda Goodwood Handicap (1200m) next Saturday, but his Hong Kong-based owner, Thomas Li, will have to make a decision whether he is to run.

Li has had success in Adelaide in the past and virtually talked Smerdon into campaigning the gelding here over the Adelaide Cup carnival.

"He’s qualified for the Goodwood now and he’s paid up – but he still may not run," Smerdon said.

"He might just go straight to Hong Kong. Even if he starts in the Goodwood his future lies overseas."

PICS - Jenny Barnes.