Volkstok’n’barrel was handily placed and travelled well but was under riding at the 600m as the pace increased. He then moved up well at the 300m, challenged strongly at the 200m and battled gamely to score by a short head in a strong staying effort. The Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) winner Preferment showed a return to that form, stepping up in distance here at his third run this preparation. He was third on the rails before setting out after the leader nearing the home turn. He got to the front at the 200m and then fought on very well for second, in a very good trial for upcoming ATC Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). Hallowed Crown raced back in second last place in the seven horse field. He saved ground along the rails at the home turn, challenged at the 300m but tired a little from the 100m to finish third, at his first attempt beyond 1600m. Sweynesse was back in fifth place, he went deep rounding the home turn and ran on fairly well, without looking a winning chance, to finish (5.4 lengths) fourth. New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Mongolian Khan raced in second place but was a distant second from the 1000m when the leader (Pounamu) picked up the tempo. He was handy enough at the 400m but battled from there to finish (6.2 lengths) fifth.