Dual Group One winner Malaguerra scored an impressive first up win. Having his first run since racing in Perth in November, he settled really well in third place (with cover), following a quick tempo. He improved nicely nearing the home turn, dashed to the front at the 100m and then went on to win decisively in a really smart performance. The favourite, three-time Group One winner Black Heart Bart settled in sixth place, one off the rails. He was under riding nearing the 600m, got to a distant fourth coming to the home turn and then kept fighting on gamely to take a very sound first up second without looking likely to trouble the winner. Sirbible began quickly and went to the front. He fought off some mid-race pressure (from Chetwood), regained the lead at the home turn and then held on well for a very good third. Palentino was slowly away and raced in last place on the rails in the nine-horse field before switching deeper nearing the home turn. He then kept running on well for a good first up (5 lengths) fourth. Three year-old colt Peacock raced back in sixth place, between runners, and kept battling on nicely to hold (5.5 lengths) fifth placing. His Godolphin stablemate Chetwood, who was also resuming, raced outside the leader (Sirbible), challenged that runner mid-race but tired from the home turn to finish (6.5 lengths) sixth while Turn Me Loose was fifth on the rails, was losing ground (under riding) coming to the home turn and then battled on again to finish (7.2 lengths) seventh.