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Legal Eagle proved too strong for the supposed big guns and now looks the one they all have to beat in the J & B Met over an extra two furlongs back at the track on January 30

Marcus had the 7-1 chance in the first two throughout and in the straight his mount fought off dangerous-looking challenges from both 15-10 favourite Futura and second-favourite Legislate, beating the latter by a length and a half.

Marcus said: "When Futura came at me on the rails I knew something was there but I had no idea who it was. I was just concerned with keeping my horse going. He has a turn of foot over ten furlongs but over this mile I didn't want it turning into a sprint."

This was the first Queen's Plate for champion trainer Tarry who said: "This horse has gone from strength to strength and I was very confident of his preparation and his ability.

"French Navy was also supposed to run in the Met but, if Legal Eagle pulls up well and unless owner Chris van Niekerk is adamant that French Navy should take his place, I don't now want to travel both of them."

Also on Saturday

Kenilworth: Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes

Alec Laird has his eyes on the Breeders' Cup with Smart Call (Weichong Marwing) who will first take on the colts and geldings in the Met after running out a convincing winner of this Grade 1.

The 33-10 chance went to the front over two furlongs out and stayed on strongly to beat last year's winner Inara (8-1) by two lengths. Same Jurisdiction, the 8-5 favourite, was fourth.

Laird said: "The Met will be tough but this is a good filly. Victory here gives us a ticket for the Breeders' Cup. We may go via Mauritius but hopefully we can go a shorter route by then."