Fancy Red went around as favourite, but it was second-elect Arcadia Park who proved the superior stayer, taking out the Listed Belmont Classic (2200m) in impressive style.
Ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, Arcadia Park worked to the front inside the final 200m and despite a determined chase from Fancy Red, proved too tough in the run home.
Arcadia Park put a stop to Fancy Red’s winning streak and denied her a Listed double, backing up from last fortnight’s last to first victory in the Belmont Oaks.
Arcadia Park continued his winning ways, notching a hat trick of victories and second straight feature after claiming the Aquanita Stakes (2019m) at Bunbury.
Arcadia Park, who delivered another winter feature win for trainer Michael Grantham and owner-breeder, Bob Peters defeated Fancy Red by 1 ¼ lengths.
Royal Trooper, sent forward passing the 1400m mark by jockey Holly Watson to inject tempo in the race, stuck on gamely in the straight to hold third.
Peters said Arcadia Park was impressive and praised the gelding’s response when challenged by Fancy Red in the straight.
“It was quite good,” Peters said.
“I think once he felt the other horse coming, he found another gear, and his stamina kicked in.
“It showed there is something there.
“He’s bred to do this and it’s nice to see him do it.
“He’ll go out for a month and come back; we’ll get him up to staying again.”
Arcadia Park is bred to be good, he’s by Cox Plate winner, Ocean Park out of Arcadia Dream, who captured both the WA Derby (2400m) and Natasha Stakes (2200m).
When asked whether Arcadia Park could be aimed at the Perth Cup (2400m), Peters responded cautiously.
“We’ll find that out,” Peters said.
Johnston-Porter claimed his second Belmont Classic, adding to his earlier success aboard Jackpot Prince (2017).
Arcadia Park started at $2.10, upstaging $1.90 favourite, Fancy Red.
Julio Santarelli