Others have been Pinker Pinker (2011) and Dane Ripper (1997), which scored before 35,658. Maybe Lys Gracieux doesn’t rate above the others but tops the lesser pair, particularly as Dane Ripper carried only 54.5kg, the mares’ weight, which has subsequently risen to 57kg.

Obviously Japan produces super-fit racehorses, seemingly more metal than flesh, which have had a better success rate than other races. Lys Gracieux on Saturday was a cog above awesome, emphasised by jockey Damian Lane describing Japanese horses as “beasts”.

Yes, the quality of our wfa types is questionable but there is no doubting the tenacity and potential of three-year-old Castelvecchio, possibly denied a Cox Plate due to the quarantine rules being relaxed so Lys Gracieux could start.

Anyway Richard Litt, the youthful trainer of Castvelecchio, is to be congratulated for having the colt so well tuned. Nothing beats winning but Castelvecchio was more than honourable in defeat in a chapter that lacked the pizzazz and atmosphere of the past. I’ve been to every Plate since Family Of Man (1977 – attendance 34,563) and there’s an intimacy at the Valley Of Champions you don’t get elsewhere.

Once the presentation, inspired by general managers, Ian McEwen and Ralph Brettell, going onto the track built up an atmosphere of expectation but is now lost in other ventures with less impact.

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Lys Gracieux cantered down to the start on her own as did Verry Elleegant before the others hustled out of the enclosure.

And the undercard highlighted the Sydney v Melbourne rivalry beginning to bite with the standard of equine action being watered down. International also-rans captured the Moonee Valley Cup and Crystal Mile.

Locals reckon Friday night at the Valley wasn’t flash and the Geelong Cup meeting the previous Wednesday lacked the substance of previous years.

Betting figures, too, have been on the decline but the Moonee Valley Racing Club will get a sizeable kickback from the Japan tote due to them betting on Lys Gracieux.

Another plus was getting to and from the racecourse with the smaller numbers, a breeze compared to previously and the clientele generally more involved with the horses and punt than boozing.

Traditionally, Melbourne has more turf enthusiasts than Sydney, and nowadays they are more mature than the 25-35 demographic cultivated by Racing NSW boss Peter V’Landys.

Of course the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington, starting on Saturday, is a different scene where the party plays to a different tempo but will indicate how good or bad the turf and battle of the states is going.