Settle Strada began smartly and was eased to get a good run fourth one out and one back. He moved up three wide on turning for home, gradually got to the lead at the 100m and then drew away for a good first-up win, scoring by almost two lengths. The Entourage showed good early pace to lead. He then fought off a number of challengers in the straight and only tired in the latter stages for a good first-up second. Acorns was fifth on the rails to the turn. He was held up for a run until clear at the 200m and then fought on well for third. The favourite Kalahaar ($2.40) was eased from his outside barrier (10) and settled at the tail of the field. He tried to improve out wide from the 600m and kept battling on in the sprint home (leaders running final 600m in 33.90) to finish seventh, beaten four lengths, being unsuited by the circumstances of the event. *ANZ