British-bred mare Noble Protector followed her easy first-up win recently at Flemington with another impressive effort here. She went immediately to the front and ran along at a generous pace. She was challenged coming to the home turn but lifted, took a clear break at the 100m and went on to win decisively by two lengths. Girl In Flight was fourth, one out and one back, before improving (three wide) approaching the home turn. She went to second at the 100m and fought on particularly well for a good second. It was her second run this preparation, will appreciate further, and appears to have returned in very good order. Marianne raced in second place one off the rails. Moved up well from the 600m but was under pressure from the home turn. She then kept fighting gamely for third, putting up a good effort.