Whitlam was eased from his outside barrier (10) and settled at the tail of the field. He commenced a move on passing the 600m, improved between runners nearing the home turn and got a great split on straightening. He went to fourth at the 200m and then finished too well, hitting the lead at the 50m and then went on to win nicely by a half-length. Brimarvi Prince began well but was trapped deep from barrier nine before settling midfield, three wide with cover. He fanned deep on turning for home, continued a good run in the centre of the track, running on to take a sound second. Exodus raced outside the leader (Conservatorium) got the better of that horse at the 100m and then fought on for a close-up third. The top weight (61kg) Conservatorium showed good pace and led the field until the final 100 metres before tiring for a sound (2.4 lengths) fourth. The favourite Tildy Lad was a handy fifth, between runners, but raced a bit too keenly in stages. He was urged to improve coming to the turn but just battled from that point for fifth, beaten just under three lengths.