Anamoe reigned supreme, but Saturday's $1 million The Might And Power only heightened enthusiasm for the race it was billed as an entrée to, the $5 million Cox Plate (2040m).
The James Cummings-trained four-year-old notched a sixth career Group 1 win when rallied after appearing beaten to score a thrilling win over I'm Thunderstruck and Zaaki in the 2000-metre Group 1 contest.
Cummings was relieved to see the son of Street Boss rebound after pulling up lame following his Group 1 George Main Stakes win and is now excited about what may transpire at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day, October 22.
"He had to be the champion and he's a serious racehorse," Cummings said of Anamoe, who was narrowly beaten in last year's Cox Plate.
"We're well and truly in business for his Grand Final."
The win was the most gutsy of a career that started on this raceday two years ago and also includes Caulfield Guineas success at the corresponding meeting last year.
That win was carried out at a spectator-free Caulfield due to Covid restrictions.
Fittingly, an enthusiastic crowd was on hand to roar the combatants home in a contest that lived up to the pre-race billing.
Anamoe looked unlikely to run a place before the field of eight straightened.
James Mcdonald found the perfect position settling one-out, one-back, poised to pounce, but he was under pressure when Zaaki upped the ante alongside leader Alligator Blood from the 700m.
I'm Thunderstruck, who travelled behind the leader, put a length on Anamoe at the 400m but it was about 200m out those who had backed Anamoe into $2.15 favouritism again started to believe.
He surged late with I'm Thunderstruck ($7), who laid to rest any doubt about is credentials at 2000m, to reel in Zaaki ($5) and go to the line with just long head separating them.
Zaaki was a further long-head away third. Alligator Blood, who lost a front plate in the run, weakened to finish fifth, just pipped by fourth placegetter Mr Brightside on the line.
McDonald said it was a meritorious win given he lost 'two or three lengths' turning for home.
"He deserves it, the horse," he said.
"He's a great racehorse, he had to lift off the canvas today.
"It's probably the proudest I've ever been for him. Everything has been pretty easy for him, but I was wondering at the 400 (metres) if he was going to be there for me and he was there in spades.
"He's a great horse."