Godolphin-raced colt Astoria put up a really smart effort in taking out this Group Three race. He was ridden quietly and settled back in seventh place before getting through to track the favourite (Merovee) rounding the home turn. He then sprinted quickly, hit the front at the 100m and then went on to score impressively. Merovee was slowly away but soon recovered to race in fifth place, one off the rails. He improved at the home turn, was in a challenging position at the 200m and then fought on to gain second in a photo after appearing to have every chance. The John Thompson-trained Primitivo put up a good effort in taking third. Having only his second race start, he settled in last place in the eighthorse field, went deep on straightening and kept running on really well to take the minor placing in a very promising effort.