The classy mare Magnifisio went forward from her outside barrier (12) and soon crossed to race outside the leader Settle Strada. The pace then steadied (first 600m 36.85) before Magnifisio drew to the lead shortly after turning for home. She then showed a lot of courage to hold on to win by a head. It was her fifth successive win and her tenth in her 18-start career. Elite Belle was seventh on the rails, travelling well. But she was blocked on turning for home. She finally got clear at the 100m and finished fast for second, looking most unlucky at her first run this preparation. Checkpoint was sixth, one off the rails. He moved up (wide) at the turn, challenged at the 200m and fought gamely for a close third. Three-time Group One winner Luckygray ($2.60 2nd fav), who was resuming from a spell, was a handy third on the rails. He was full of running at the turn and was able to switch into clear running on turning for home. He then kept battling on quite well, in the sprint home for fourth, beaten half a length. Ranger was ninth on the rails to the turn, got inside runs once into the straight, going through to third at the 100m. He then fought on for a close-up fifth, beaten only half a length. *ANZ