The crowds were back at Flemington on Saturday, but you could have heard a pin drop in the mounting yard after the longest-priced Group 1 winner in Australian history, Lunar Fox, prevailed in the Australian Guineas at the odds of $301.

Thousands of mouths were open wide all across the course as Lunar Fox put paid to the favourite Tagaloa inside the 200-metre mark then fought off the flying finish of Cherry Tortoni to register a win that few could fathom.

1986 Caulfield Guineas winner Abaridy ($251) had been the titleholder of the longest-priced G1 winner.

The First 4 on the race for Lunar Fox ($3.10), Cherry Tortoni ($10), Tagaloa ($3.50) and Embolism ($81) paid almost $1 million with Tabcorp ($974,376).

The quaddie at Flemington for Star Of The Seas ($3.90), Lunar Fox ($301), Capriccio ($41) and the well-backed Chailott ($3.80) later paid $530,082 for a $1 unit.

Lunar Fox's trainer Paul Preusker was at home in Horsham, leaving his partner Holly McKechnie to attempt to explain the turnaround in form from a 12-length 12th placing in the C.S. Hayes Stakes to a winner in the $1m G1 classic.

LONGEST PRICED GROUP 1 WINNERS SINCE 2007

2019 Underwood Stakes: Black Heart Bart ($101)

2019 Makybe Diva Stakes: Gatting ($101)

2017 Caulfield Guineas: Mighty Boss ($101)

2016 Crown Oaks: Lasqueti Spirit ($101)

2015 Melbourne Cup: Prince of Penzance ($101)

2011 Ranvet Stakes: Zavite ($101)

2008 Victoria Derby: Rebel Raider ($101)

2007 Emirates Stakes: Tears I Cry ($101)

"It's a bit surreal at this stage," McKechnie said. "I can't believe it.

"He's always had a lot of ability, this horse. Obviously last start he ran below par and we couldn't really find any issue. We've done the old trick with the blinkers and it seems to have done the job.

"Last time was just out of character. He's always trying this horse."

Racing.com and images Racing Photos