Just as he did 12 months ago, Black Piranha stormed home from the second half of the field to grab a thrilling win under a dashing ride from Sydney-based jockey Nash Rawiller.

Trained at Rosehill by former jockey Con Karakatsanis for a syndicate that includes members of his famnily, Black Piranha charged to the line in the last 100 metres to score a last stride win over the gallant filly Melito.

The margin of a short half head was another heartbreak for Melito's connections as they have now seen their filly fill minor placings in Group One races at her last three starts.

In a blanket finish Mic Mac and Beaded were close up in third and fourth places while the favouirte Whobegotyou failed to finish the race off after putting in a short lived dash from the 400m. He finished well back with the Ortensia also failing to run to expectations.

Black Piranha is one of those feel good racing stories as he was purchased by Con Karakatsanis' father and former trainer Tony for just $41,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The striking and aptly named gelding has become a great money spinner as he has now returned more than $2.5 million prizemoney.

Just as he did 12 months ago Con Karakatsanis was jumping for joy in the mounting yard after the photo finish verdict was posted.

"I'm just rapt to go back to back - not many horses can do it. This horse is a freak!" Karakatsanis declared.

"I always wanted to defend the title. To make it come true, it's something different. It's the best feeling in the world.

"He means everything to me this horse," he said.

"He keeps knocking the knockers and everyone kind of forgot about him and he just shows how good he is.

"The last six months nothing has gone right for this horse but his past two runs had been very encouraging.

"I had him perfect for today. I knew his Ten Thousand run did him the world of good."

A proud Tony Karakatsanis allowed his son to lap up the accolades.

"I'm the proudest person on the track today," he said.

"He's turned out a great racehorse and I'm so proud of what Con has done with the horse."