A superb ride by jockey Dwayne Dunn has led Niwot to a narrow win the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick today.

Coming into the race on the back of some good form including a last start fourth behind Manighar in the Australian Cup, the team Hawkes-trained runner was put in a perfect spot by Dunn on the rails back in the field where he was able to relax well throughout the race.

Last year's Sydney Cup third placegetter Solid Billing led the field for a majority of the race with the heavily backed Permit throwing a shoe and being eased out of the race midway through.

At the top of the straight Dunn hooked Niwot to the middle of the track and came with an outstanding run, one similar to what won him the group 3 Lexus in the spring.

The injury plagued 7yo got the better if his rivals over the concluding stages to win by a slender long head from the gallant Efficient with Once Were Wild a half head back in third.

“To Team Hawkes' credit, they've produced him nicely, he has always worked up through to this race. This has been his grand final and he has turned up on the day,” said Dunn.

“He settles so lovely in the run. I was a little bit concerned that Permit was in front of me and that he had pulled hard. He gave up the ghost at the half mile and I was happy to get off his back. He gave me a nice little kick at the top of the straight.

“He hasn't won for a few runs now but been running really well. I just needed him to stay with me right to the line.

“Efficient has run a super race to duck back in on the inside and finish second to me.”

John Hakes said it was great to get a horse with injury problems back in good order to win a Group 1 race like the Sydney Cup.

“It was a lot of hard work early to get him back to racing and all our staff have done an outstanding job,” said Hawkes.

“He has had some good runs this preparation which is what we were looking for before we take him back to the Melbourne Cup in the spring.

“Dwayne rode him a treat and put him in the perfect spot, it was a great ride.”