Polanski settled back in seventh place, enjoying a good trip behind a solid pace, before improving three wide with cover nearing the home turn. He took the lead at the 300 metre mark and then drew clear for a decisive three lengths win, running the 2500 metres out strongly. It was an impressive win and an excellent ride by Hugh Bowman. Complacent was eased from his wide barrier by Kerrin McEvoy and was a distant 14th in the 16-horse field to the 800 metre point. He switched wide rounding the home turn, put in a quick run and got to fourth at the 200 metre marker before fighting on for second, putting up an outstanding effort, his wide barrier proving very costly. Thunder Fantasy was about eighth to the 600 metres mark, moved through to be sixth at the 400 metres pole and kept fighting on to take a sound third. Criterion was eased from his wide barrier and was last to the 800 metres point where he was at least 15 lengths from the leader. He improved from the 600 metres but was pushed extremely wide at the home turn. He put in a good run mid-stretch but those efforts finally told and he then battled on for fourth, it was an excellent effort under the circumstances. The favourite Savvy Nature raced in tenth place to the 600m, was under riding at the turn and proved disappointing in the straight to finish 14th, appearing tested by the 2500 metres trip. *ANZ