The Coolmore-raced/Gai Waterhouse-trained colt Valentia was quickly away but Tommy Berry eased him to settle third, following a strong early tempo (first 600m 34.48). He moved up nicely three wide rounding the home turn, took the lead at the 200m and fought back well for a good win. Mr Bogart raced in fourth place on the rails to the turn. He was blocked on straightening, Damien Oliver easing the colt across heels at the 300m and he kept battling on, getting to within half a length of the winner for a sound second. Modoc was eased from his outside barrier (7) and was near last in the seven-horse field to the turn. He moved up well at the turn, looked a winning chance when he put in a good run at the 200m and then fought on for third. Giuliani raced outside the leader, forcing a good pace, to the turn and held on quite well under the circumstances for fourth. Rembrandt battled on for fifth while the favourite Gold Force ($2.40) led to the 300m but tired after going solidly in the lead to finish sixth, beaten eight and a quarter lengths. *ANZ