The Bill Dixon-trained six-year-old is now exempt from the ballot for next week’s $375,000 Group 1 event following his all-the-way win in Saturday night's traditional lead up event.

Dixon’s daughter-in-law Natalie Rasmussen, who doubles as I Am Sam’s driver, said it was great to know the son of Perfect Art was guaranteed a start in next week’s Grand Circuit race.

“It’s good that he’s in and if he finds a forward spot next week they’ll know that he’s in the race,” she said.

He showed in the Popular Alm what he can do when allowed to lead the way. After booting through from barrier one, I Am Sam showed his trademark courage to score a strong win.

It was his 26^th win from 67 starts and took his earnings to a tick under $355,000.

After covering the first half of the last mile in 62.1 seconds, hardy gelding Manwarra Goforgold served it up to I Am Sam in a 28.1-second third split that tested the leader.

Manwarra Goforgold ($5.80) put his nose in front of I Am Sam ($3.20 fav) rounding the home bend, but the Queenslander kicked back strongly to regain the lead upon straightening.

He held a margin over Manwarra Goforgold in a 29.5-second final quarter to score by 2-1/2 metres with Make Waves ($5.50), who travelled on I Am Sam’s back holding of the fast-finishing Ti Vogliobene ($50) for third place three metres away.

Leading Victoria Cup fancy Mister Swinger ($4.30) secured a lovely run despite his back row draw and loomed ominously three wide at the 500m point but didn’t make an impression in the straight and finished sixth, beaten almost 12 metres.

Rasmussen said the performance was a typical I Am Sam display.

“Once he was able to punch through and lead I was happy because he’s a hard horse to get past once he finds the front,” she said.