Military Attack, a two-time G1 winner himself, and a former Hong Kong Horse of the Year, has had to contend with niggling issues over the past couple of seasons. Fownes is hoping that the seven-year-old will have a trouble-free preparation into the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup on 13 December, in which the Oratorio gelding failed by a short-head in 2014. 

“He’s had a lot of problems,” said the trainer. “Last season it was his feet and this time it’s his joints and a suspensory. It’s been a battle, day in and day out. The vets have done a great job, and my team as well, they’ve worked really hard. Everyone has put in the hours to just get that result for the owners and for the fans in Hong Kong.

“He’s getting on in age but I’m sure he’ll still be a force on the big day. I’d say he’ll strip a little bit fitter from this run, as I’m sure the second horse will - that was a big run from him, too. I’ll try to have him the best I can on the day.”

Zac Purton settled Military Attack on the fence, three back from the leader, Khaya. The Australian ace switched out his mount early in the stretch, tracking the run of Blazing Speed who hit the front under Neil Callan 300m from home. Purton dipped lower in the saddle and began punching vigorously with a furlong to race. Military Attack, nothing if not tough, responded determinedly to drive past the runner-up inside the final 100m and hold his rival through the final strides.

“I would have liked to have been on the outside and travelled a little bit easier,” said Purton. “But when we found ourselves on the fence I just had to wait for the run to come and I know he’s got a good turn-of-foot. I could feel through the run that he was quite comfortable and I knew he would give me a good kick when I asked him.

“He’s a horse that’s always been close to my heart. I’ve been riding him for a number of seasons now, on and off, so it’s good to get another nice win on him. Last season he had a good season but Caspar had a struggle with his feet, he had a lot of problems but he seems to be on top of it this season, and if that’s the case, hopefully he can go a head better in December this year and get the job done for us.”