Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained four-year-old Runaway, winner of the VRC St Leger (Listed, 2800m) in April, staged another solid staying performance at his third run back this preparation in scoring here. He soon crossed to take the lead from his wide barrier (12), set a good tempo and then kept fighting back strongly in the straight to score a very good win. His stablemate Northwest Passage had a good trip in third place, on the rails, went through to second at the home turn and then battled strongly for a good second, beaten just under a length. Chris Waller-trained, French-raced import Finche raced in sixth place, one off the rails, improved on straightening and continued to fight on well under his 59kg top weight for third at his first Australian start. Midterm was a handy fourth most of the way and battled on really well to hold that position, beaten just under two lengths. The favourite, the Roger Charlton-trained Withhold travelled well outside the leader and eventual winner (Runaway) but was under riding nearing the home turn and battled on from that point to finish (4.9 lengths) eighth on his Australian debut. It was subsequently discovered that he had suffered a bleeding attack.