New Zealand-trained gelding Benzini put up a strong staying effort in winning here. He settled well back in ninth place, between runners, before tracking up (wide) from the 600m. He took the lead, in the centre of the track, at the 200m and then fought back gamely when challenged to win well. Sir John Hawkwood raced in eighth place before improving between runners at the 600m. He was blocked on straightening, eased into clear running at the 300m and challenged strongly nearing the 100m. But he was held by the winner in the closing stages and then fought on for a very good second. Junoob settled near the tail of the 12-horse field. He commenced a wide move from the 800m and challenged rounding the home turn. He then lifted well over to closing stages to take the minor placing, putting up a solid effort. The favourite Real Love had a good trip in fourth place but was shuffled back nearing the home turn. However she got a split at the 200m and seemed to have her chance from that point before finishing (4.1 lengths) fourth.