Winner of this race last year, favourite Rock Magic was again too good and bolted away over the last 200m to take his win record to 15 (8 at stakes level) and his earnings beyond $1,300,000 million. Under William Pike he had a lovely run in fourth to stalk the leaders down the side and starting the last corner. Rounding into the straight Pike pulled him three wide, balanced him then released the brakes and he burst clear. Pike kept him honest but they had more than three lengths up their sleeve at the line. Battle Hero moved into second near the last corner, passed the leader turning in but was no match for the winner, running on to hold second. Durendal was fifth into the straight and ran on quite well to nab third late from Gatting who from well back flew late to grab fourth.