The Aaron Purcell-trained Merchant Navy has upset a field of Australia’s best sprinting three-year-olds to win the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

In claiming the first Group One race of the Melbourne Cup carnival, Merchant Navy ($20) produced a late charge under Mark Zahra to edge out Invincible Star ($6.50) with Formality ($20) finishing third.

Merchant Navy’s win gave Purcell his second Group One success since he took over suspended trainer Ciaron Maher’s team in September.

Credit: AAP