Got to be in it to win it!

IF THERE was ever a perfect candidate for the term "you've got to be in it to win it", it has to be Watts Up Partytime.

Contesting last night's Great Southern Star in Melton, Watts Up Partytime upstaged his rivals to capture a heat and the Final.

While a clean sweep has been achieved numerous times, it is usually by one of the favourites.

In case, however, Watts Up Partytime was among the outsiders on both occasions.

During his broadcaster of the $250,000 Final, Australia's premier caller Dan Mielicki stated "he's caused a big upset...on the Tote 30-to-one, but Fixed Odds was closer enough to $100 again.

"Wow that's a record...what horse has won twice in one day at 100-to-one...Watts Up Partytime, that's who!"

Securing his heat at $21 on the Tote, Watts Up Partytime paid $61 in the decider, with trainer Andy Gath among those shocked by the victory.

Gath is no stranger to winning the Great Southern Star having secured the 2017, '20, '21 and '22 editions.

"Not in our wildest dreams did we think he could win," Gath said. "Some of the others were probably expected, but this is the most unexpected win.

"During the run I thought the way he was travelling he could run second or third if he got out, but he stuck his head out at the right time on the line."

Driven by Gath's wife Kate, Watts Up Partytime reached the front in the last stride to score by a head from fellow heat winner, The Locomotive.

In a 'blanket' finish, Keayang Chucky was a half-neck away third in 1:53.9 over 1720 metres.