Eurozone was ridden patiently by Hugh Bowman and settled back in fourth place, one off the rails in the small six horse field. He fanned wide nearing the home turn, put in a quick dash to take a narrow lead passing the 200m, then fought back particularly well to score gamely by a short neck beating a small but classy field. Criterion was a little slow to move, as he often does, and raced in fifth spot on the rails, before moving out to follow Eurozone from the 600m. He challenged strongly at the 200m and battled on well for a good second, running the 1500m out well, indicating he may cope with longer distances. Aussies Love Sport went straight to the lead and travelled along well at an even tempo. He fought back when challenged but found the first pair a little too strong in the closing stages, tiring slightly for third, beaten just over a length. Best Case, stepping up from three pleasing runs at provincial tracks, was third on the rails to the turn and held on quite well for a sound fourth, considering the rise in class here. *ANZ