Daring tactics paid off for veteran jockey Jim Cassidy as Steps In Time held on to win the Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on Saturday.

Cassidy ignored a distance doubt on Steps In Time to set the mare alight in the middle stages.

His catch-me-if-you-can plan had her rivals chasing a long way from the finish before it was left to Sweet Idea to issue the main challenge.

Sweet Idea lunged late but the photo went Steps In Time’s way for Cassidy and trainer Joe Pride.

“It was a bold ride from Jimmy and he only just got it right but when it comes off it looks good,” Pride said.

“He got it spot on. What can I say.”

Steps In Time was an $8 second betting pick behind third-placed Catkins who was sent out the $4 favourite.

Steps In Time gave Pride his second Coolmore win and Cassidy his fourth.