River Lad worked across from his wide barrier (15) to race outside the leader Temple Of Boom after passing the 1000m. They turned for home still sharing the lead and after a great battle, River Lad got to the lead nearing the post to grab a gutsy half-head victory. Temple Of Boom soon crossed to the lead and battled gamely all the way for a close second. The favourite Srikandi began brilliantly from her difficult barrier (13) and immediately took the lead, before easing to enjoy a good trip in third place. She looked a serious threat at the 200m and then kept fighting on well for third, beaten one length. Spirit Of Boom was seventh early, moved up deep nearing the turn and held on well for (1.3 lengths) fourth. Sacred Star made good ground from 15th at the 800m to finish (1.8 lengths) fifth while Hucklebuck raced a bit keenly in stages in eighth place on the rails before finishing sixth, beaten two lengths. Rebel Dane went back to the tail of the field from his outside barrier (18), moved up very deep at the home turn and continued to make ground for seventh, beaten just over two lengths, putting up a very good effort. *ANZ