The IRT $174,000 Breeders Crown final for three year old colts and geldings looked a two horse war on paper.
In one corner was Menin Gate for Australia who has been in devastating form all season.
In the other corner was Follow The Stars for New Zealand who had being going great all season as well but couldn't get the better of his arch foe when they have met.
Mark Purdon worked Follow The Stars around the field early from barrier four before finding the lead after 600 metres.
He was quickly joined in front by Menin Gate and Chris Alford who went to the front without any of the expected battle.
My Kiwi Mate who was over racing badly back in the field worked to the chair with just over a lap to go and from there the speed was true.
These three pulled clear at the 400 metres mark and turning for home a winner was hard to pick.
My Kiwi Mate looked to have headed Menin Gate but like the true champion he is, he lifted and surged clear.
Follow The Stars seemed to be full of running turning in but once in the passing lane he took an age to wind up.
By the time he did Menin Gate had flown for a well- deserved victory.
Follow The Stars was slightly disappointing in second while My Kiwi Mate was huge in running third.
Menin Gate paced the 2240 metres in 2:40.6, a mile rate of 1:55.4 with closing sectionals of 55.9 and 27.3
It was the son of Somebeachsomewhere's 13th win from just 19 starts and took his stake earnings to $501,335
Chris Alford was fulsome in his praise of Menin Gate post- race.
"We did plenty of work early but then so did Mark Purdon on Follow The Stars so I thought he would let me go when I went for the front."
"Once in front he was really strong in the run and I was confident he would be hard to beat off the back.
"My Kiwi Mate may have levelled with us as we straightened. But once I asked him he responded like the champion he is."
"He is just a brute of a horse and I honestly think he will be better after a good break," Chris said.
Harnesslink Media