Alcopop, so often the bridesmaid in Group 1 races, achieved his reward when he won the $1 million Mackinnon Stakes on Derby Day at Flemington.

The eight year old gelding deserved his win after finishing second to Ocean Park in the Caulfield Stakes ,then was narrowly beaten in the Caulfield Cup by Dunaden.

The gelding is unlikely to race again this spring, while others may continue onto the final day, he will be heading back to Victor Harbor, to a warm welcome from the locals where he has a cult following. 

The imported grey, Glass Harmonium, who was out to repeat his win in the race of last year, made sure there was going to be no loafing, he set up a solid pace from the outset, he was still eight lengths in front coming to the final turn

Ocean Park, the weight for age find of the spring, and the odds on favourite, didn't finish the race off like he had previously, when his races had been spaced two weeks apart leading into the Cox Plate

The quick back up may not have suited him, he did have a hard run in the Cox Plate, he peaked on the day and is another that is likely to go for a rest 

It doesn't look as if December Draw is going to recapture the form of 12 months ago, he wilted badly in the Caulfield Cup two weeks ago, and didn't perform much better in the Mackinnon Stakes.