SYNDEGAARD and Practical Joke clashed in the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park on Saturday. The two juveniles started at different ends of the spectrum as Practical Joke blundered the start and was last while Syndegaard blitzed to the lead.

Like two trains on one track, favourite Syndegaard met with four-choice Practical Joke and neither backed down, with Practical Joke winning the head bob. They were six and a half lengths clear of the third horse, Favorable Outcome.