Ruettiger enjoyed a nice trip from his good barrier (4) racing in fifth place, between runners, following a reasonable pace (first 600m 35.88). He went to the inner at the 400m, challenged at the 250m and then lifted gamely to score a narrow but smart win. The favourite Voodoo Lad raced close to leaders in about fourth place and looked the winner when he sprinted quickly to take the lead at the 200m. He then battled gamely for a close second. Reldas was back in eighth place, closer to the rails side, behind runners. He improved smartly on the inner and briefly looked a threat at the 300m before fighting well to hold minor placing in a sound effort under his 59.5kg top weight.