Last season’s Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Vanbrugh put up a good effort in scoring here. Having his fourth run this preparation and appreciating the step up to 2000m, he had a good trip in fifth place, one off the rails, tracking a very solid pace (first 1400m 1:24.97) despite the windy conditions. He moved up nicely nearing the home turn, challenged at the 200m and finished a bit too well for score a good win. Tom Melbourne settled better following gear changes, including the addition of a Norton bit. He raced in second place, behind the strong-running leader (The Cleaner), went to the front coming to the home turn and then fought strongly for a very good second. The favourite It’s Somewhat raced back in sixth on the rails but was held up between runners nearing the home turn. He was under riding on straightening, got to fourth at the 200m and then kept battling on under his 59kg to take the minor placing. Of the others, The Cleaner worked in the early stages to find the lead and then ran along at a solid pace, but then disappointed in tiring to finish a distant seventh in the nine-horse field.