However, all involved in the long-striding import admitted that they were concerned by the awkwardness of the barrier one position in the group2 event. However, Noble Protector was sent straight to the front and her rivals were unable to reel her in.

In the next week Noble Protector will be floated to Sydney to tackle her specific autumn target, the group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Randwick on April 11.

But connections of the horse made it clear that she would not compete at Randwick if they were confronted with a wet track. In that case, the mare would be spelled.

"It was a genuine concern her sticky barrier meant she was going to have to use plenty of energy to get to the front, but that was better than having to contend with lots of traffic," trainer Robert Smerdon said. "But it never seemed to phase her. In fact, she showed that she was more than capable of doing it at both ends of the race.

"We'll go to Sydney now and I'd be more than confident she will acquit herself well."

It's understood Noble Protector was sent to Australia because of her ability to handle firm ground.

Jockey Craig Williams maintained that the mare could be even  better off with cover. "She did everything we asked of her tonight and I think the Sydney race will be ideal."

Earlier, the usually honest Fontein Ruby managed to redeem herself after a poor performance in the Australian Guineas by winning the Alexandra Stakes. Fontein Ruby, noted for her toughness, led throughout to win and proved that her recent defeat at Flemington was totally out of character.

Jockey Mark Zahra said that Fontein Ruby was relaxed and strong when she was allowed to lead over the 1600-metre event.