Classy mare Noble Protector was well-beaten but given an easy time in a Cranbourne barrier trial on Friday afternoon.

Jockey Craig Williams allowed Noble Protector to amble early, several lengths behind high-balling leader Danestroem in the 990m heat.

Eased to the outside on straightening, Noble Protector worked home solidly under little pressure to finish second without ever getting close to the winner.

Noble Protector won both the Matron Stakes and Sunline Stakes in the autumn before running third to Amanapour in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes at Randwick.

The imported mare has been entered for all the spring features and is a $21 chance for the Cox Plate, $31 for the Caulfield Cup and $26 for the Melbourne Cup with the TAB.

Earlier in the day the first of the Sepoy stock stepped out in a two year-old trial featuring just three runners.

Brent Stanley’s Party Bag, a son of Gimcrack Stakes winner De Lollies, was slowly away before running second to Oamaru Force filly Rylea Lass over 800 metres.

Last start Tattersall’s Cup winner Escado finished too strongly for Group 2 winner Moonovermanhattan to win an 1190 metre heat.

Escado stretched out nicely in the straight in 1.16.44 to collar Moonovermanhattan, who was punched out to the line.

Ciaron Maher’s stayer Kapour is on track for some longer spring assignments with a strong win in a 1550 metre heat.

The Winter Cup winner ran on out wide in the straight under no pressure to win by three-quarters of a length over Levi.

Last year’s Sandown Cup winner Renew was pushed along in the closing stages to run fourth.