Awesome Rock took out his first Group One race after losing the 2016 Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) over this same course on protest in March. He settled well in second place behind the leader (Vadamos) who was going a quite a good tempo (first 1400m 1:26.79) before moving out to challenge nearing the 200m. He took the lead at the 100m and then fought back strongly to win well. Hauraki had a nice trip from his inside barrier (1) in fifth place on the rails before getting through to challenge nearing the 100m. He then battled gamely to dead-heat for second with the Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) runner-up Seaburge, who came from seventh on the rails and impressed with his late-closing effort. Vadamos again went to the front, racing in ear muffs for the first time, settled a better than he did in the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) but was still keen. He then led the field until the 200m before holding on for (2.6 lengths) fourth. The favourite The United States was slowly away, was back in ninth place at the home turn, angled into clear running at the 200m and made late ground for (2.7 lengths) fifth without looking a winning chance. Vanbrugh was a handy fourth most of the way and did well, stepping up to weight-of-age, in fighting well for (2.8 lengths) sixth while the colt Good Standing also acquitted himself quite well, battling on nicely for (3.2 lengths) seventh.