Smokin’ Joey settled nicely in eighth place, one off the rails, following a steady tempo (first 1000m 61.09). He improved from the 600m, went wide from the home turn and kept running on in the centre of the track to take a smart last-stride win. The favourite Jacquinot Bay had a good trip behind the leader to the home turn and looked the winner when he took the lead at the 100m but was caught on the post to finish a close second. Backstedt led the field, setting a moderate tempo and fought back well when challenged in the straight to finish a close-up third. Big Memory was sixth, one off the rails, improved coming to the home turn and put in a bid at the 200m. He then kept fighting on for a close-up fourth. Akzar was seventh on the rails, was under pressure when the pace increased at the 600m then battled on quite well, in the sprint home, for a sound fifth, beaten a length.