British-bred import Maurus followed his good fifth in the Doomben Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) on 21 May with an impressive win here. He went back from his outside barrier (10) and remained in last place until commencing a wide run at the 800m. He moved up strongly (deep) nearing the home turn, hit the front on straightening and then raced away to win easily. Jumbo Prince settled in eighth place, one off the rails. He improved (wide) from the 800m to be second at the home turn and then kept fighting on well to hold that position, without looking likely to trouble the winner. Instrumentalist was near last on the rails, went deep from the 600m and fanned widest of all at the home turn. He then kept running on, finishing just in time to take the minor placing. Top weight (59.5kg) Puccini went to the front and held the lead until nearing the home turn. He then battled on in the straight for (7.1 lengths) fourth.