Star Sydney sprinter Rain Affair appears set for a big spring after delivering a demolition job of his rivals in the Group 3 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick today.

Rain Affair demolishes his rivals in the Missile Stakes at Royal Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart

With grand sprinter Hay List scratched on race morning, Rain Affair was sent out a $1.35 favourite and he more than justified his starting price.

After showing typically electric gate speed, jockey Nash Rawiller was happy to let the front-runner race in his natural style and he was never challenged in the all-the-way victory.

A lead of two lengths at the turn was only extended in the straight and he passed the post 5 1/2 lengths clear of Mic Mac and Title.

For a horse that now boasts a record of 12 wins from 23 starts, it was a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle. His most recent success before today was in March last year but he will be given plenty more opportunities to build on his resume this spring.

Trainer Joe Pride has Group 1 ambitions for the gelding that is yet to salute in the top grade but he is likely to collect plenty of riches in lead-up events before taking on the nation’s sprint elite.

“He’s going to win a Group 1 for us this horse…but you can’t manipulate these things too much. There’s not one around for him at the moment so we’ll bide our time,” Pride told TVN.

“It’s great to see him back in good order and it should be onwards and upwards from here.

“It’s fantastic to see him back.”

Rawiller was aboard Rain Affair for the first time since his debut in 2010 and described the performance as “thrilling.”

“He showed them a clean pair of heels,” Rawiller said.