The Darren Weir-trained, Irish-bred stayer Big Duke continued his good form reversing the result in the recent Hobart Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) in winning here, his first success at stakes level. He settled midfield after being trapped deep from his wide barrier (11). He improved (wide) from the 600m, challenged widest of all at the home turn, got to the front at the 100m and then went on to win well in a solid staying effort. The Hobart Cup winner Count Da Vinci began well from his outside barrier (13) and went forward to race in third place, one off the rails. He moved up nicely to take the lead nearing the home turn and then battled gamely for a good second after being headed at the 100m. The outsider Tuff Bickie was just past midfield on the rails, improved between runners at the 800m, went to third at the 200m and kept battling on under his limit weight (54kg) to take the minor placing.