Conservatorium raced outside the leader (Settle Strada) at a moderate pace (first 800m 48.75). He went to the front approaching the 200m then kept battling back, just lasting to win by the barest of margins. Checkpoint was fourth one out and one back before putting in a run (three wide) at the home turn. He challenged at the 200m and kept fighting to just miss in a photo finish. Ranger was seventh on the rails most of the way to the turn. He got a split between runners at the 200m and ran on well, in the sprint home, for a good third. The favourite Luckygray ($2.60) was back in eighth place before improving wide from the 600m. He kept making ground in the straight eventually getting up for a sound fourth being disadvantaged by the slow early pace. *ANZ