Academus ($2.40 favourite) drove through from his inside barrier (1) to settle fifth on the rails. He was travelling very well nearing the home turn, but was behind a packing field and was shuffled back before Kerrin McEvoy angled into the clear at the 300m, where he was giving the leader about five lengths. He kept running on resolutely from that point, getting up to win well by a long neck at the post. Eximius was about sixth one off the rails before moving up wide with cover approaching the turn. He challenged mid-stretch, got to a narrow lead at the 100m and fought on for a good second. Lucky Hussler was slowly away and past midfield before moving up wide without cover from the 800m. He continued that run to be third (three wide) at the home turn, hit the lead at the 200m and held on for a very good third after a torrid trip. Platinum Kingdom was urged forward from his wide barrier (17) and he worked to find the lead at the 800m. He led the field until the 200m and held on well for fourth considering his early efforts. Lilliburlero was trapped wide from her barrier (12) and she eventually crossed to be outside the leader (Platinum Kingdom) at the 800m. She held that position until passing the 200m and then fought on for a good fifth. Limes was handy on the rails to the turn and kept plugging on for sixth. *ANZ