Ocean Park has continued an unbeaten spring build-up to the Cox Plate with a hard-fought win in the Caulfield Stakes.
The New Zealand star, a short-priced favourite, had to call on all his reserves to beat Alcopop and the Sydney galloper Sincero.
“It was the race he needed to have today … he’s actually put on weight since that last run (in the Underwood Stakes),” winning jockey Glen Boss said.
Ocean Park sat fourth and was eased out three-wide at the 500m to set out after the leaders Midas Touch and Sabrage.
He joined in as the field straightened with Sincero peeling off his back to make a bid.
Sincero loomed large until he peaked on his run, leaving the veteran Alcopop to take the second placing.
A four-year-old, Ocean Park is undefeated in three runs since his return to racing early last month.