Howard Be Thy Name was one of the slowest away despite a handy barrier (six) and he settled worse than midfield. He moved up and found the fence but was still giving the leaders eight to ten lengths down the back. Rider, John Allen moved off the rails by the 500m and just before they straightened had the colt in a lovely position to challenge, which he did, four widths off the fence. By the 250m he lay second but travelling well and past the 100m got the better of leader Metro Cowboy then drew away to win by a length. Metro Cowboy sat midfield, one off the fence rounding the bend, moved up wide into the straight and gathered in the leaders passing the 200m, looking likely. When the winner ranged up on his inner he tried to go too but was outstayed yet held second well. War Legend was well back around the bend then went wide to make his run but found traffic so his rider switched inwards into the straight where he weaved his way through to challenge well, almost grabbing second at the wire.