Vatican led all the way under replacement rider Michael Rodd to claim the feature on the card at Caulfield.

Vatican was smartly away and soon crossed to the lead. He steadied the pace in the early stages before picking up the tempo passing the 600m point. He turned for home with a nice lead, fought off a strong challenge from the favourite Loveyamadly at the 200m and drew clear to win by almost two lengths.

Loveyamadly ($3.70 fav) eased to enjoy a good trip in fourth place, one out and one back. She moved up well on straightening and looked the winner when she challenged half-way down the straight but found the winner too good in the latter stages and then held on for second, beaten a length and three quarters.

Halle Rocks was eighth in the nine-horse field, fanned very wide at the home turn and ran on well to grab third at the post. It was a nice effort.

The second favourite Sumakaray ($3.75) had a good run in third place on the rails, was under pressure mid-stretch and disappointed, tiring to finish eighth, beaten five lengths.