New Zealand trainer Wayne Hillis has vowed to return with Sterling Prince for next year's Melbourne Cup after the gelding's runaway win in the Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington.

Hillis is hoping that the six-year-old can use the victory as a platform for the Cup in the same way as Makybe Diva who won the 2002 Queen Elizabeth before winning her first of three Melbourne Cups in 2003.

Sterling Prince was blooded for greater things this spring when third to Leica Ding in the Geelong Cup and fifth in the Lexus Quality leading up to today's victory over 2500m which was his first beyond 1600 metres and his fifth in 28 starts.

"He might be better next year," Hillis said.

"I think having a run around here now he will come back stronger and know the course."

Sterling Prince was being aimed at this year's Melbourne Cup but connections mistimed the declarations and he didn't qualify.

Hillis said Sterling Prince shied at the winning post which cost him second place in the Geelong Cup while last start in the Lexus he wasn't suited when left in front.

"He has always been wayward and slow at learning things and beaten himself a few times but he is finally getting it together now," Hillis said.

Hugh Bowman, who has ridden the stayer at his three Australian runs, said the Queen Elizabeth unfolded as he had hoped with him settling fourth while Alexander Of Hales, pressured by Stormhill, ensured a strong pace.

"He settled much better today with the trail," Bowman said.

"There was a bit of pace in the race and he drew (barrier) one and all these things make a difference."

Bowman waited until well into the straight to make his move on Sterling Prince and he scored by two lengths from Crossthestart with the Bart Cummings-trained Naval Escort 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Bowman said his confidence in Sterling Prince grew after Crime Scene, who finished sixth in the Geelong Cup, was able to run second to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup.

Sterling Prince is by the impeccably-bred stallion Colombia who, by Zabeel from Eight Carat, failed to make an impact on the track but is a full or half-brother to five Group One winners including Octagonal.

Hillis, who trains at Matamata, said he would consider backing up Sterling Prince in next Saturday's Group Two Sandown Classic but he was more likely to be flown back to New Zealand on Sunday night.

He said he hoped the Queen Elizabeth win would encourage the Hong Kong Jockey Club to invite Sterling Prince to compete in next month's Group One Hong Kong Vase (2400m).

"We have nominated him for it and it wouldn't be a bad race to run him in," Hillis said.

Glen Boss was taken with the run on Naval Escort who made up a lot of ground after being last most of the way.

"He is a promising stayer in the making," Boss said.