Trained by Robert Hickmott for Nick and Lloyd Williams and partners, The United States (images Grant Courtney) hit top form again at Moonee Valley on Saturday when taking out the Group II MVRC Crystal Mile over 1600 metres.
A warm favourite, the handsome chestnut son of champion sire Galileo had too much class in winning by a length under a skilled ride from Kerrin McEvoy.
"It was a bit sticky early. He's not a great beginner," said McEvoy said.
"I just let him get into his stride and I was able to duck down inside Royal Rapture.
"He's a big strong horse and I was able to push him out, get clear, and it was just a matter of getting him mobile.
"At weight-for-age, those other horses that aren't rated as high had to
try and match him and they couldn't do it."The United States defeated subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance in the Moonee Valley Cup on the corresponding day last year, but had not raced since his midfield effort in the Group II Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) on September 3.
Part-owner Nick Williams said The United States had a slight setback before the Turnbull Stakes, which forced the stable to revise Cox Plate or Melbourne Cup plans for the son of Galileo.
Williams said the stallion would now head to the Group I Emirates Stakes (1600m) on the final day of Flemington's four-day carnival.
With seven wins and five placings from just 19 starts and $1.7 million in prizemoney, The United States has been raced sparingly and undoubtedly has more wins to come.
The United States is a full brother to this year's Group I placed two year-old filly Hydrangea and is a half-brother to Group III winner Fire Lily from Group II winner Beauty is Truth.
