The Chris Waller-trained import Junoob ($2.25 fav) had been in good form before disappointing at this last start, but he returned to his best on better going to score impressively here. He travelled well outside the leader (Tremec), going at a good pace. He easily took the lead shortly after turning for home and then raced away to win, being eased down, by five lengths. He won easily in good time (2:02.47) and looks well capable of winning a feature staying event over the carnival. Stablemate and second favourite Opinion had a good trip, following the subsequent winner, fifth one off the rails. But he was under riding coming to the turn, gradually got to a distant second at the 200m and battled on to just hold that placing at the post. The Offer was trapped three wide without cover in fourth spot in the small seven horse field. He then kept fighting on in the straight for third, narrowly missing second in a photo. Bayrir was second last in the small field to the 600m, moved up at the turn and finished fairly well in the straight, without threatening, for fourth. *ANZ