After disputing the lead with Bright Beam (entered in the race as a pacemaker for the absent Mill Reef) he opened up a clear advantage approaching the straight. With Rheingold struggling, Brigadier Gerard emerged as Roberto's only serious challenger but after getting to within a length of the Derby winner the favourite could make no further progress. Roberto drew away in the final furlong to win by three lengths from Brigadier Gerard in a new course record time.
Following a close race with Bright Beam (who was entered as a pacemaker for Mill Reef), he established a substantial lead approaching the finish line. Despite Rheingold's struggle, Brigadier Gerard became Roberto's principal competitor but could not narrow the gap after being within a length of the Derby winner. Roberto pulled away in the final furlong to win by three lengths from Brigadier Gerard, setting a new course record time.