The Charlie Appleby-trained stayer Qewy, last year’s Geelong Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) winner, made a successful return to Australia in scoring a good first up win here. Having his first start since racing at Goodwood in August, he travelled in fourth place, improved (wide) from the 800m and took the lead shortly after turning for home. He was challenged shortly afterwards but kept fighting back strongly to score a game half neck win, seemingly with something in hand. Kiwia raced in second last place in the seven-horse field, tracked his main rival (Qewy) from the 800m, challenged him at the 200m and after quite a battle, he did well in fighting on for a good second, just finding the winner (who conceded him 3kg) a bit too good. Foundry raced in fifth place (on the rails), improved behind runners nearing the home turn, got to third at the 200m and then kept battling on well to hold the minor placing.