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Improving stayer California Longbow has moved a step closer towards earning a shot at stakes company with a strong win at Rosehill.

Peter Snowden will consider raising the bar for California Longbow after the progressive stayer landed his fourth career win in the Ranvet Handicap at Rosehill.

Rachel King ensured Saturday's 1800-metre race was a true test when she took Foreign Territory to the front from a wide gate and set a solid tempo.

Tim Clark aboard California Longbow ($7) was content to bide his time midfield before surging to the front and holding Falcon Island ($6.50) at bay by a length, just ahead of Mangione ($6.50).

"Great ride. We were a bit concerned about where we drew and where we'd fit in," co-trainer Peter Snowden said.

"As it panned out it was a perfect ride, he got back three pairs, one off on the fence.

"He's still got a bit of freshness in his legs and it was evident there today, when you see him at 2000 metres he's going to get better again."

Snowden has earmarked a race at the stand-alone Saturday meeting at Kembla Grange in two weeks as the next goal for California Longbow.

If he continues to progress, he could find himself in stakes grade.

"There's a benchmark 2000-metre race for him at The Gong meeting in a fortnight so we'll go there and then maybe progress towards a Christmas Cup, something like that," Snowden said.

"He's a nice progressive horse who can stick on."

The Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) is at Randwick on December 14.