Thunder Fantasy scored a good first-up win. Having his first start since finishing third to Polanski (Rakti) in the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) on 2 November, he began smartly before settling in third place, following a moderate tempo (first 800m 49.48). He was under pressure as the pace increased nearing the home turn and took a while to wind-up before drawing clear to win by almost two lengths, sprinting home in a smart 34.34 (last 600m). He is promising. Rock Hero ($3.25 fav), also resuming, raced outside the leader Countersnip and settled well despite the average early pace. He took the lead on turning for home and battled on well until tiring in the latter stages, just holding on for second. He should be improved by today’s outing. Late Charge raced in seventh spot, one off the rails, to the 600m. He was asked to improve approaching the turn and battled on well in the sprint home to take third. It was also a promising first-up effort. Bardem was fifth one off the rails to the 600m. He was hard-ridden at the turn but kept fighting on to finish fourth. He is a lightly raced but quite promising young stayer. Countersnip led to the turn but then weakened for fifth. *ANZ