Jane Chapple-Hyam's Secret Asset ran a big race to finish third behind outsider Ato in the Krisflyer International Sprint at Kranji in Singapore.
The race was supposed to see the Kieren Fallon-ridden Krypton Factor set himself up for a trip to Royal Ascot after his win in Dubai but he was always behind, eventually coming home fifth.
Mr Big made a bold move for home off the final bend and for a while it appeared it would prove decisive.
However, Byron Vorster had him covered on Ato, a son of Royal Academy, and picked him up well inside the final furlong.
George Baker always had Secret Asset in a good position on the rail and while he could not match the finishing kick of the front two he ran a sound race.
Michael Halford's Irish raider Invincible Ash, who had finished in front of Secret Asset at Meydan last time, could only finish seventh.
Baker said: "We had a lovely run round the bend into the straight after which a gap opened up beautifully for us. However the ground was a bit loose and he really prefers a slightly quicker surface."
Winning trainer Patrick Shaw was landing back-to-back renewals having won the race with Rocket Man 12 months ago who missed this year's race with injury.
Shaw told At The Races: "It's bitter sweet with Rocket Man not being here but he was my second choice and I was a little bit confident.
"He had been keen and he waits for them to go past him then he comes back at them, so I took a chance to leave the blinkers off.
"After Rocket came out it was a very open race which is why I gave him a chance. It was a great ride."
