A field of battled hardened old warriors lined up for the Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year’s Day and at the end of the 2800 metres mere inches separated the first two across the line.

Our Big Mike Smokes Them in Pakenham Cup

A long-range plan by New Zealand trainer Craig Phelan has paid off with Our Big Mike leading every step of the way in Saturday’s $300,000 Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m).

Top Nicks

Grosvenor

4 wnrs, (2 sw) Booming

Danehill

11 wnrs, (1 sw) Older Than Time

CENTAINE

5 wnrs, (1 sw) Muirfield

Last Tycoon

5 wnrs, (1 sw) Moti

Last Tycoon

5 wnrs, (1 sw) Moti

Prized

3 wnrs, (1 sw) Don Doremo

Conquistarose

2 wnrs, (1 sw) Vickezzchardonnay

Epidaurus

2 wnrs, (1 sw) Dashing Donna

Felix The Cat

2 wnrs, (1 sw) Big Mike

SILVER DEPUTY

2 wnrs, (1 sw) Swift Alliance

Sons of Zabeel at Stud in Australasia

Ocean Emperor, Preferment, Reset, Savabeel, Zed