SA-trained three-year-old Lord Aspen, a winner of his first three starts in that State, stepped up in class and maintained his unbeaten record with a narrow but impressive win. He travelled strongly in fourth place, one out and one back, and raced a bit keenly in stages behind a moderate tempo (48.81) before challenging on turning for home. He got to the lead passing the 200m and then fought back gamely when challenged late for a long head win. He is still inexperienced but looks the makings of a high quality horse. Orient Line was eighth on the rails, stuck to the inside at the turn, got right along the rails to challenge at the 100m and then battled on well for a good (long head) second. Ducal Castle was back in tenth place, was held up on straightening, got a split at the 200m and then finished well for third, beaten just over a length. Armada went back from his outside barrier (16) and was last to the 600m. He fanned wide on turning for home and made up good ground for (2 lengths) fourth, putting up a good effort.