John McArdle was hoping for a relaxed Boxing Day at Sandown and planned to dress accordingly.

Those plans changed quickly after a firm reminder from his partner before leaving home.

With Regal Zeus set to contest the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m), a suit and tie became non-negotiable.

“My wife said, ‘you’ve got a runner in a stakes race so put the suit on’,” McArdle said pre-race.

“I didn’t want to, but here we are.”

The extra effort was rewarded when Regal Zeus ($6) scored a strong three-quarter length victory, adding another black-type win to his record.

The five-year-old had already claimed the Listed Kilmore Cup (1600m) in November before an unsuccessful run over 1400 metres at Pakenham.

“Getting back to the mile with a race shape that suited him, and Jye (McNeil) rode him perfectly,” McArdle said.

“He hadn’t ridden him before and the guy is a professional looking at his videos. We had a good discussion before the race as to how you have to ride him.

“When he gets a kick around the turn over a mile, he’s a hard one to beat.”

Regal Zeus held off St Lawrence and Detonator Jack, denying Gavin Bedggood a third feature win on the program.

“He began really well which was key,” McNeil said.

“He really settled into his rhythm nicely plus the key moment of getting going at the right time.”