Xavion produced a major upset to land the Group 2 Bicentenary Trophy over 1500m at Champ de Mars, giving trainer Carl Hewitson and jockey Tejash Juglall a notable feature-race success.

Carrying 58kg from barrier two, the four-year-old was well positioned throughout before asserting his authority in the closing stages to defeat the higher-rated Underworld by 1.1 lengths. He stopped the clock in 1:30.34, recording a winning time of 90.34 seconds.

The victory was particularly significant given the quality of opposition. Xavion entered the race with a rating of 74 and received weight from several rivals rated in the 80s, including Underworld (81), William Iron Arm (82), Selukwe (85), At My Command (86), Quasiforsure (86) and top-rated Meridius (88).

Former South African star, Selukwe was reported not striding out post race and Quasiforsure was lame near fore. He had to be eased after he was cramped for galloping room. 

Underworld, carrying top weight of 61kg, chased gamely under G. van Niekerk to finish second, while Meridius, also carrying 61kg, stayed on for third after conceding three lengths to the winner.

The result underlined the advantage Xavion was able to make of his lower weight assignment, but it also reflected a significant step forward in form as he comfortably held rivals with stronger ratings credentials.

Sugar Blast finished fourth, 4.8 lengths behind the winner, ahead of Tamarisk Tree, Port Louis, At My Command, William Iron Arm, Selukwe and Quasiforsure.

Good Council was withdrawn before the start.

For the Paul Foo Kune Stable, the race yielded both first and fifth through Xavion and Tamarisk Tree, while Selukwe completed a three-pronged stable challenge in ninth.

The performance could open the door to further opportunities at feature-race level for Xavion, who demonstrated both tactical speed and finishing strength in securing the richest victory of his career.