Hawkspur, having his fourth run this preparation, plus stepping up in distance, scored an easy win relishing the sloppy conditions. He was in front early then eased to race behind then new leader (Noogoora Burr) before switching around that horse to dash clear on straightening. He was untroubled thereafter, winning very well by three lengths. The favourite, New Zealander Survived ($2.00) settled well back in ninth place following a moderate pace. He looked for a run in the centre on straightening but had to ease wide at the 300m where he was giving the leader (Hawkspur) about eight lengths. He then made up many lengths over the final 200m for a very good second at his Australian debut. Usainity was about eighth, one off the rails, to the 800m before moving up wide nearing the turn. He went to the centre of the track on straightening, got to distant fourth at the 200m and continued to run on well for a good third. Rowie was seventh on the rails, went to the centre at the turn and improved to be a distant second at the 200m before battling on for a sound fourth. *ANZ