To win the Guineas prep under lights, Red Dazzler defeated reigning Golden Slipper (Aust-I) winner Stratum by 1-1/4 lengths at the end of 1,600 meters, timed in 1:38.09.

An immature 3-year-old colt, Red Dazzler has now won three of four starts and $243,750 (Australian funds).

His Malaysian-based owner Melvin Foo refused an offer of a "few million" after the $100,000 yearling won the Vain Stakes Aug 20. But a subsequent failure as a heavy favorite, when fourth over 1,400 meters at Flemington Sept 3, worried handler Mick Price.

"He restored my faith in him tonight." Price said.

The conditioner has a strong hand for the $1 million Guineas, for 3-year-olds over a mile of Caulfield Oct. 8, as he also prepares More Than Ready  's group II winner Perfectly Ready.

Ridden flawlessly by Danny Nikolic, Red Dazzler (5-1) enjoyed a cozy run, before railing on the inside of the 11-4 co-favorite Stratum at the top of the lane. The other equal favorite, Maybe Better, finished a long head away third.

A lack of early speed made the Stutt result a shade dubious from a Guineas point of view. Yet it magnified the run of the fourth colt, Vision and Power (by Carnegie), the 16-1 chance giving the leaders a long start into the final 600 meters.