After getting back in the field today the daughter of Centaine swtiched to the better going on the outside of the track and then stormed home to down the favourite Bel Esprit, who suffered his second defeat in eight days.

For McEvoy it was winner number four, while Moroney registered a treble with the Group One success.

"What can you say it's been a big day," Moroney said moments after the win.

"She's a top quality mare and for a long time I have thought she was right up to the best and thankfully she proved that today."

To the cheers of her joyous syndicate Pernod carved out super quick final sectionals to run down Bel Esprit who was being hailed the winner after kicking clear shortly after straightening.

"I wasn't sure she was going to catch him when he skipped a couple (lengths) in front," Moroney added.

"But she has an exceptional final sprint and she was able to grab him late which was great."

Moroney had registered earlier wins with the Sangster owned Venus Was Her Name and the regally bred Taimana, while McEvoy rode those two winners as well as the Group Three Guineas Prelude victor Great Glen.

"You can't ask for much more," a jubilant McEvoy said while displaying four fingers for photographers.

"She's been a great mare to me and it's a huge thrill to win a Group One."

Bel Esprit's trainer John Symons said he was pleased with the effort of his classy colt, who was three quarters of a length from the winner who was rapidly peeling away at the finish.

"It was a really good run," Symons said. "It's just a pity he wasn't able to come back under Damien a little better."

Oliver, who dumped the unplaced Chong Tong to ride the son of Royal Academy, told Symons that things didn't quite to plan during the second half of the race.

"Damien said the leader (Tit for Taat) left him in front too early and he was basically a sitting duck."

Royal Code lost few admirers with his strong third, a further neck back from Bel Esprit. He didn't have a great deal of galloping room and hit the line in good style.

His trainer David Hall said despite being in the current field for the Group One Epsom Handicap in Sydney he would keep the gelding in Melbourne for the Toorak Handicap.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

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