Academus got a good run fifth one off the rails, following a fast pace (first 600m 33.87). He got a nice split on straightening and moved up strongly to challenge at the 200m. He drew clear at the 100m then fought back gamely to win nicely by a long neck. Al Aneed settled seventh on the rails from his inside barrier (1). He was travelling strongly on straightening but was blocked until switching out at the 200m. He then ran on very well for a good second. Dances On Stars was about ninth one off the rails before moving up wide from the 600m. He fanned wide at the turn and ran on well for third, beaten one length. General Exhibit worked early to race outside the leader (Rocky King) until well into the straight then holding on quite well for fourth. The favourite Sizzling was sluggish and was ridden hard in the early stages after being near the rear shortly after the start. Chris Munce rode him vigorously and he improved to be midfield on the rails at the 700m. He got through to be about seventh at the 300m then continued to battle on, finishing fifth (beaten two and half lengths), in a sound first-up run. *ANZ