Michael Dee has given Excelida a “10 out of 10 ride” to win the Group 2 Rose of Kingston Stakes over 1400m over Argentia and the tiring leader, She's All Class.

The first 200m was where the race was won, with Excelida jumping from barrier seven and most of her market rivals were jumping from lower barriers.

However, Michael Dee was still able to get his mare one out and one back in the “A-one” position over 1400m at Flemington, which ultimately gave her every chance to win and a small advantage over her rivals.

2022 Rose Of Kingston Stakes Replay

“It's just a great result, because out of all the mares this ones been placed, I think, nine times in Stakes races and yet to win one.” Ben Hayes explained as to why there was lots of hugs and high-fives between him and the owners after Excelida's win.

“The whole stable is absolutely thrilled.

“I think the barrier gave him (Dee) options for today, she jumped well and the favourite missed it so it really opened up. 10 out 10 ride.

“There's lots of options, I'll have to see how she pulls up but she's in really good form and getting back on a dry track was good, it's definitely something we will look at with Brendan and Henry and we will come up with a plan.” Hayes added when asked if the Empire Rose was the next race we will see this mare at the races.

Michael Dee has secured his first win on Excelida after coming so close in so many races, but he has been repaid with a Group 2 victory today.

“I think I've got the best record on her and there's not even a win there, so I think before today there was something like eight or nine placings” Michael Dee explained about his non-winning run with Excelida.

“This prep before her first-up run, we mentioned that she is in the best form of her life… unfortunately she hit that bog track first-up at Caulfield.

“Coming here today on a better track over 1400m she was always gonna be hard to beat.”

Excelida is currently a $26 chance with some online bookmakers in the Empire Rose Stakes market.