The lightly raced Le Val raced in about ninth place, between runners, travelling well. He got a split shortly after turning for home and improved to fifth at the 200m. He maintained a strong finishing run to take the lead at the 50m and drew clear to win impressively by just over a length. It was only his second start and looks smart stepping up to Listed class today. Londehero was fifth on the rails, switched around heels at the turn then put in a run to take the lead at the 200m, only to find the winner too strong in the latter stages, holding on for a good second – his fourth placing in as many starts. Diamond Oasis enjoyed a good trip in third place on the rails to the turn. He was blocked at the 200m, not getting clear until the 100m, then running on nicely on the inside for a sound third. The favourite Miss Longstocking went back from her difficult barrier (14) and was near last to the turn. She looked for an inside run on straightening but had to be eased wide, finally getting clear at the 200m. She then finishing particularly well for a late-closing fourth, putting up an impressive first-up performance. Little Miss Smiley led until the 200m point and held on fairly well for fifth. *ANZ