It was built as a match race between two talented debutants based on their recent trial efforts but it didn’t quite live up to the hype with Pago Rock scoring a convincing win in the today’s visitnorthamwa.com.au Handicap (1100m).

The Rock Of Gilbraltar colt was most impressive on debut by going to the line untouched to comfortably defeat Cleopatra’s Daughter with Stormy Crown getting the nod in a close contest for third.

Cleopatra’s Party shot out of the gates early to dictate terms in front but was under the ominous presence of Pago Rock who was stalking her every inch of the way and just waiting to land the killer blow.

The execution arrived at the 300 metre mark when Shaun McGruddy released the handbrakes and the two-year-old was able to sprint away unchallenged for a decisive and authoritative win.

Cleopatra’s Party was certainly not disgraced but she must be sick of seeing the backside of Pago Rock.  They’ve met previously in two trials with Pago Rock getting the upper hand on each occasion.