Onesmoothoperator has rocketed into contention for this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup, with the overseas runner taking out the Group 3 Geelong Cup.

The seven-year-old, who was having just his first start on Australian soil, shot to the front on the home straight and never looked back, winning by four lengths.

It was a real statement victory for Onesmoothoperator after spending the majority of its career running in the UK and winning just four races from 37 starts.

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The result marked the sixth time jockey Craig Williams has taken out the race.

Interpretation ran second in the 2400m race, with Muramasa finishing in third spot.

“I’ve been here a few times and had a few bits of bad luck,” trainer Brian Ellison said.

“This horse has been brilliant, he put weight on during his trip over … he’s doing good things. I just said to Craig, he’s not your normal stayer, he’s got loads of speed.

“He’s always had a good turn of foot and he gave him a great ride.”

Pre-race favourite Unusual Legacy was pulled out after just 100 metres and broke down in concerning scenes for the Chris Waller-trained five-year-old.

Over the years, three horses – Media Puzzle, Americain and Dunedin – have managed to pull off the rare Melbourne and Geelong Cup double in the same year.

While not officially an exemption race, the Geelong Cup winner earns a penalty that allows it to qualify for the race that stops the nation at Flemington.