Protector's stunning win for Qatar Bloodstock

Ridden by Craig Williams for trainer Robert Smerdon, the five-year-old ran out an impressive winner, scoring by four and a half lengths from Marianne, with Group One winner Set Square back in third of the 12 runners.

A Listed winner when trained in Britain by Stuart Kittow, Noble Protector was bought privately by David Redvers last summer and was placed in York's Listed Galtres Stakes for Qatar Racing before transferring to Smerdon's yard. Second in a Group Three handicap on her Australian debut - the winner, Contributer, has since won the Gr.1 Norton Stakes - she was then fourth at Flemington in November before being given a mid-summer break.

Williams told races.com.au: "Robert Smerdon and team have done a great job. Because of lower prize money in England and set weight and penalties of this race, she got here on a minimum [weight] and was going well enough to win the Blamey today. She won with sheer authority.

"We've been really happy with the way she's been going and it's a great result for Qatar (Bloodstock) and Robert Smerdon."

Smerdon said: "I really think these international horses are better off a break, and she was at the tail-end of a long prep when she came here in the spring.

"Craig Williams has ridden her a lot, in past work and in trials, and he said that this feels like a different horse now she's had the opportunity to settle in, and he's been really wrapped with her.

"She'll get some firm tracks and I don't know how far we go in the autumn, but I'd like to think we don't go far and have a good crack at the spring. We'll aim for the sky and hope we hit the chimney."