Classy Godolphin-raced colt Bivouac, with four stakes-level wins Bivoac turned the tables on favourite Exceedance in the Gr.2 Run To The Rose which is the main lead up to the Gr.1 Golden Rose.
Hightail started with a lead, while Bivouac settled nicely on the outside before going to the front on turning for home.
Coolmore's potential Everest runner Yes Yes Yes also moved up smartly at the 300m mark. He then battled strongly for a very good second. Although Exceedance romped home in the final lengths, the lack of a strong early tempo proving a disadvantage.
Godolphin representative Darren Beadman credited trainer James Cummings with the bold decision to remove Bivouac’s blinkers.
“I think it was a masterstroke by James taking the blinkers off,” he said.
“He probably needed them early days but he is a lot more switched on now.
“I think getting that consistency into his rhythm, his galloping and breathing, he was a very happy horse.”
Beadman said Bivouac would need to draw well in the Group One Golden Rose in two weeks to ensure he could be as effective over 1400m.
Distance: 1,200 metres, Surface: Turf, Track: Right-handed, Qualification: Three-year-olds, Weight: Set weights with penalties, Purse: $200,000 (2018)