Paximadia ($3.40 fav) was fourth early but soon moved up to race outside the leader. He was under riding approaching the home turn, as the pace increased, and briefly looked in trouble. But Kerrin McEvoy lifted the colt and he responded well in the straight, taking the lead at the 100m and then drawing clear for a decisive win at the post. Equator quickly crossed to the lead. He steadied the tempo in the mid-stages (first 1000m in 61.82) before grabbing a good break nearing the home turn. He was only headed in the closing stages for a good second, beaten just over a length. Apollo’s Choice was fourth, one off the rails before improving to third at the turn. He kept battling on quite well from that point for third after appearing to have every chance. Best Case was back in sixth spot to the 600m. He switched out coming to the turn, where he was about five lengths from the leader. He then kept battling on quite nicely for fourth – the first four dominating the event, the fifth-placed Inafrenzy finishing ten lengths from the winner. *ANZ