The United States fought off Prince Of Penzance to win the Moonee Valley Cup last October but finished well behind him in the Melbourne Cup.

Since then the Lloyd Williams-owned import has had three starts and backed up from his Group Two second a week ago to claim The Ranvet (2000m) by three-quarters of a length from Hauraki with Criterion making some ground to finish another 3-1/4 lengths away,

A return to Moonee Valley in October is the target for The United States.

"He can go to the paddock now as a Group One winner and we can get him ready for the Cox Plate," Williams' son and fellow owner, Nick Williams said.

"The horse came through last week well and just bounced straight off it and that made the decision very easy to come up here.

"We would not have brought him if he wasn't in perfect order even off that hard race."

The United States was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the brother-in-law of Melbourne Cup winning rider Michelle Payne who was on hand for the celebrations.

"Well played Lloyd and Nick for picking out this race," McEvoy said.

"We came here quietly confident that he would run really well."

David Hayes was pleased with the performance of Melbourne Cup third-placed Criterion who heads to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in three weeks.

"He ran on this day a year ago and then won the Queen Elizabeth," Hayes said.

"He's going the right way."

[www.skyracing.com.au]