Despite never racing beyond 2000 metres, and having a dam who couldn't even win a maiden at Cheltenham, Southern Speed showed that history doesn't count for everything, putting in a dominant performance to take out the $2.5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

Jockey Craig Williams gave the 4 year old mare a perfect ride from barrier 3, sitting in behind the pace, which was taken up by Hong Kong stayer Mighty High. He took Southern Speed out out from behind the leaders in the straight, andshot past GreenMoon to win by 1.5 lengths, with Tullamore back in third place another half length behind.

Mighty High (who started second favourite) weakened towards the end and finished second last, with hot favourite Dececmber Draw finishing in last place.  Bookies breathed a big sigh of relief, as the favourite had attracted so much money leading up to the race, following her 3 strong lead up runs.

It seemed like December Draw failed to run out the trip, but he also showed a post race fracture to the lateral splint bone. He will now be spelled.

Southern Speed's trainer Leon Macdonald rated his horse's victory one of his best ever. "Winning the Victoria Derby with Rebel Raider is hard to top", he said. "But this comes very close...the feeling is sensational".

Despite his great ride, Williams gave fellow jockey Clare Lindop much of the credit for the win. Clare is Macdonald's stable jockey and put a great deal of work in to horse.

"I heard she even came down and rode the mare during the week, putting the finishing touches on it for me", Williams said. "She's done a great job".

Southern Speed isn't entered for the Melbourne Cup, but Macdonald is not disappointed that he will not be competing in the big race. "This was her grand final and it is rare in racing for a long-term plan to come off like it has today".

The race shed a lot more light on the Melbourne Cup hopefuls, with several of them putting in good trial runs.

Gai Waterhouse was very pleased with Tullamore's third placing and is very confident moving forward to the first Tuesday in November.

Similarly, Lucas Cumani saw his stayers put in strong runs with Manighar and Drunken Sailor finishing  fourth and seventh respectively.

Last years Melbourne Cup winner Americain still holds favouritism for the race that stops a nation, but Lucas Cranach and Green Moon are not far behind. After the weekends racing, it seems there are many of live chances in what should be a brilliant Cup.