South Africa's Lizard's Desire, arguably the most improved horse in world racing, notched a deserved first Group 1 win when successful in the $A2.4m Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) at Kranji on Sunday.

The Mick de Kock trained four-year-old scored by a half length to avenge agonising seconds at his past two starts in Dubai and Hong Kong and turn the tables on Gloria De Campeao from the World Cup in March.

Lizard's Desire, who left South Africa with a low rating midway through last year, was ridden by Kevin Shea and came with a late rally to beat his Dubai conqueror with Dubai Duty Free winner Al Shemali in third.

Waikato was best of the locals in fourth while favourite Presvis finished fifth after losing a shoe on the first turn, conceding too great a start and striking interference 200 metres from the finish.

"This is fantastic," said winning jockey Shea. “Sweet revenge for Dubai and the fact that he's kept producing is a real credit to the Mick de Kock team and in particular to Steven Jell."

Jell, de Kock's assistant trainer, was delighted with the win. "It's finally come together for this horse which is great. He keeps improving and despite a long, hard campaign he still was able to rise to the occasion tonight. It's great to pick up another big race on the road. It's been a while now.

“He'll go back to Dubai and have a good break for two or three months and be prepared for the World Cup again next year," Jell said.

The race was run at a cracking pace with Jolie's Shinju establishing a commanding lead before being challenged by the gallant Gloria De Campeao 1000 metres from home. Gloria De Campeao rallied on straightening but was left vulnerable to any closer.

"He's run very well," said Gloria De Campeao's jockey Bruno Reis. “He handled the conditions much better than we thought he would. He always gives his best and he did that again today."

Presvis, a primary target for this year's Tatts Cox Plate, endured misadventures from start to finish and was unlucky as has been the case on several occasions throughout his career.

"He lost a front shoe on the first turn when he was tightened up and was never really comfortable after that. Then he was squeezed out at the 200 metres when he was doing his best to rally,” said jockey Ryan Moore.

Luca Cumani's assistant trainer Charlie Henson said that Presvis would now be spelled with a decision to follow on a possible Melbourne campaign.

"Things didn't pan out for him tonight and he's had a long campaign. It's back to England for a break now and we'll sort out plans for him after that," he said.