After seconds at his first two starts, Chris Waller-trained colt Asterius broke through for a deserved win, doing so quite well. He settled nicely on fifth place on the rails but was under riding when the pace picked up at the 600m. He responded on passing the 200m and then finished too well to grab a good win, looking suited to further still. Regal Cannon went to the front, got a break nearing the home turn and was only overtaken in the latter stages for a good second after running a bold race. Smiling Manolito, a stablemate of the winner, raced in last place in the seven-horse field, then made good late ground to take third and should appreciate stepping up further in distance.