Skyerush began quickly and was then eased to get a nice trail about sixth, one off the rails. She tracked up well on straightening, putting in a quick run passing the 200m to take the lead shortly after and then fight on to win narrowly but well, landing a double for the in-form Blake Shinn/Guy Walter combination. Alma’s Fury was handy to the turn, challenged at the 200m and fought gamely for a close second. Illo was about seventh to the turn and ran on nicely for a promising first-up third. Raspberries came from about tenth at the 600m, running on late for fourth while Stout Hearted caught the eye running on from the tail of the field for sixth. The well-supported Mahisara worked early to be second at the turn before finishing a disappointing ninth. *ANZ