The SA-trained Conservatorium began well from his good barrier (4) and was third early before being shuffled back to sixth on the rails. He switched out at the 600m and was urged to improve wide at the turn. He then put in a strong finishing run to take the lead at the 200m and draw clear for a strong two length win with his top weight (59kgs). Meet George was just past midfield to the 600m. He went wide on straightening, where he was giving the leader about eight lengths, and ran on nicely to just grab second. Pellegrini worked up wide from his difficult barrier (15) to take the lead at the 800m point. He fought back gamely in the straight, after his early efforts, for a good third. The favourite Dances On Stars ($3.50) began well from his inside barrier (1) and was third early before being shuffled back to seventh at the 800m. He was ridden hard from the turn but did not respond to finish a disappointing 13th. *ANZ