A perfectly judged front-running victory on Just Charlie in the Listed Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) capped a memorable New Zealand riding debut at Riccarton on Saturday for apprentice jockey Logan Bates.

A showdown race featuring a galaxy of stars, the $3million Group I VRC Champions Mile (1600m) delivered a battle for the ages at Flemington on Saturday and  with the NZB Ready to Run Sale next week there is no greater ambassador for that sale than the mighty Kiwi bred gelding Ceolwulf.