Malaguerra has justified jockey’s Ben Melham unwavering faith with a heart-stopping win in the Group One Darley Classic at Flemington.

In a three-way finish, Malaguerra ($9.50) held off emerging Sydney sprinter Spieth ($8.50) with Fell Swoop close-up in the minor placing.

“I was very confident coming to this race today. As confident as you can be in a Group One,” Melham said.

Melham filled in for Luke Nolen when Black Caviar won the Melbourne Cup carnival’s major sprint in 2010 – the first Group One triumph of the mare’s unbeaten career.

It is Melham’s second Group One sprint win during the spring carnival after he rode Rebel Dane to a Manikato Stakes upset.