Sent out favourite off the back of a trial placing, the Chris Waller-trained gelding came from a midfield position with an undeniable finish in the hands of Daniel Stackhouse to win going away by two and a-quarter lengths.

Villaden was purchased out of our 2020 Karaka draft by agent Guy Mulcaster and the Kaha Syndicate for $220,000 and is a brother to the winner Young Werther, who also finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and third in the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m).

They are out of the Fastnet Rock mare Romantic Time, who is a half-sister to the Gr.22 Silver Slipper Stakes (1200m) winner Amelia’s Dream.