The success of imported international stayers continued on Saturday at Flemington when they quinellaed the $200,000 Andrew Ramsden Stakes.
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And, it was the all-conquering Darren Weir stable that ended up winning the Listed event with former European Glorious Sinndar after a titanic battle with the Japanese-bred The Bandit.
In recent years the impact international racehorses have had on our local scene has been remarkable and it continued on Saturday with the first two past the post in the Andrew Ramsden.
And, a victory in only one of two 3200-metre races run at Flemington comes with a healthy bonus, as Glorious Sinndar has now passed the ballot conditions for a start in this year's Melbourne Cup.
But, Glorious Sinndar, who raced predominantly in Germany and England, came via Sydney trainer Kris Lees' stable and was only shifted to Weirs' training establishment at Warrnambool some months ago.
In fact there were no lofty plans in store for Glorious Sinndar but in his first three starts for the Weir stable he's been successful on all occasions.
"Actually he was sent down to us as a jumping prospect and we may still jump him," Weir's stable manager Jeremy Rogers said.
"I don't want to speculate on the future or what we'll do in the spring and it's going to be a wait and see situation about how he pulls up.
"But he's done everything we've asked of him and he showed plenty of fight today so everything's on the up with him," he said.
The Bandit looked certain to win with 300m to go when he emerged from the pack and went out after Glorious Sinndar but the former European refused to give in and held a narrow margin.
The early pace was set by another import My Bantry Bay which made this year's Andrew Ramsden a genuine staying test.
Jockey Harry Coffey said it was a career high to win a race over 3200m at Flemington.
"He's in a rich vein of form and he just kept finding when I asked him for more.
"What a great thrill to win a race like this at Flemington over the Melbourne Cup distance," he said.
Glorious Sinndar started at $6.50 and defeated The Bandit at $7.50 with the favourite De Little Engine at $4.40.
It's unclear whether The Bandit or the winner will head to Queensland for the Brisbane Cup or wait for the spring.
Fourth placegetter was top weight Swacadelic who finished bravely but found his weight of 60 kilograms a telling factor in the closing stages.
