The Brad Hewitt-trained colt fired out of the starting gate to hold out Sporty Spook ($1.70 fav) and it proved to be a winning move.

The Goulburn trainer-driver was thrilled with the effort as the son of Ifihadyourluck cruised to a 8.5 metre victory, ahead of Victorian visitors Milliondollar Wave and Chumlee.

“It’s the first time he’s really showed much gate speed,” Hewitt said.

“It adds another string to his bow and it will help him a lot come finals time.”

Hewitt was unsure if he’d have the pace to hold out the David Kennedy runner after the pair drew the outside two barriers on the front row.

The gamble paid off as Sporty Spook was forced to sit without cover and compounded late to finish sixth 28 metres away.

Spare Me Days showed he’s a serious contender for his year’s series with the win, which is his fourth-straight since an unlucky sixth in the NSW Derby heat behind Sport Spook in February.

A placegetter in the Victoria Derby, Hewitt has been happy with how he continues to improve with his record now 10 wins from 18 starts.

Giving away plenty of size to most of his rivals, Hewitt is proud of the three-year-old’s fight.

“He’s only a little fella but he tries his guts out,” he said.

“He only does what he has to as, as soon as something gets away from him he’ll slaken off, but when they get up and racing he keeps going.”