At his first attempt at stakes level, Valac made it a winning one and took his career record to seven wins from 25 starts. He was fifth, one out with a circuit to run and eased back to midfield down the back and passing the 1200m. The field compacted at the 800m and he was shuffled back, but jockey Craig Williams pushed him forward from the 500m and turned in four wide, ready to challenge. He took a few strides to balance then went after the leader, eventually levelled up at the 75m then kept going to get there by three quarters of a length. Sopressa led with a circuit to run and maintained a comfortable lead all the way to the 400m, slipped clear starting the home straight and looked a big chance, but was caught inside the 100m for a game second. Meli Melo tracked the winner into the home straight and ran on best of the rest for third from Chequered Flag, who finished well late to nab fourth.