Any lingering disappointment connections of Capecover had at missing a run in the Melbourne Cup were washed away on Saturday when their stayer scored an impressive victory in the G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2400m) at Flemington.
Needing to win the Saab Quality on Derby day to break into the Cup field, Capecover ($5.50) ran an unlucky third but more than made up for it on Saturday when he unleashed a powerful turn of foot to beat consistent pair Light Vision ($4.40) and Baughurst ($4.20).
Capecover was one of two horses balloted out of the Cup but would have run had there been provisions for emergencies as Yellowstone and Zarita were scratched a day before the race.
"We had the dream, we waited four years to get to the Melbourne Cup but if he was to be a chance in the Melbourne Cup he would have had to win the Saab," New Zealand trainer Alexander Fieldes said.
"He ran third, went very well. I'm proud of the horse. He hasn't run a bad race over here."
"He's justified my faith in him today. He really rounded it off in the latter stages and perhaps he could come back next year."
Jockey Craig Williams, who opened his Melbourne Cup Carnival account with a treble on Oaks day, said Capecover was 'very stiff' not to win the Saab as he had a run taken from him at a vital stage in the race.
He said Capecover showed a 'devastating turn of foot' when he left Light Vision in his wake in the closing stages to win by one and three-quarter lengths.
But Fieldes said he was unlikely to run Capecover in this Wednesday's Bendigo Cup (2400m) or next Saturday's Sandown Classic as the horse was not suited in weight-for-age company.
"He's right at the end of a campaign but you wouldn't think it the way the horse has worked in the last week," he said.
Jockey Ben Melham said Light Vision was again gallant in defeat.
"These things down the bottom get in with no weight and just keep getting him in the last little bit," he said.
Baughurst, the $4.20 favourite, settled second last and ran home for third after looming ominously at the 200.
"I would have liked to have been a bit closer in the run but wasn't to be," said jockey Michael Rodd.
The disappointment of the race was 2005 winner Our Smoking Joe ($7.50), who finished eighth after settling just behind the speed.