The Quarterback settled in second last place in the nine-horse field, behind the main group on the Grandstand side. He began his move at the 300m (racing closest to the outside rail) and sprinted quickly under his light weight (52kg) to hit the front at the 50m and fought gamely for a very good win, his first at Group level. Black Heart Bart raced back about fifth, tracking the group on the Grandstand side. He sprinted quickly to take the lead at the 100m and was only run-down nearing the post, putting up a bold first-up effort for new trainer Darren Weir. Chautauqua was ridden patiently as usual by Dwayne Dunn and remained behind runners on the Grandstand side until making his bid at the 100m. He then fought well under his top weight (58kg) for a good third. Churchill Dancer was just behind the leading group, put in a run at the 200m and fought well for a good fourth, beaten just over a length. Japonisme raced close to the lead on the Grandstand side and kept fighting on over the closing stages for a sound (1.3 lengths) fifth.