Eight-year-old Permit recorded his first win since 1 January last year. He travelled well outside the leader (Diametric) before going to the front on turning into the home straight. He then stuck on grimly when challenged and fought back to win by almost a length in a solid staying performance. Phrases was third on the rails, challenged at the 200m and battled on well for a good second. Bagman was one out and one back in fourth place. He challenged strongly at the 300m and kept fighting on under his 59kg top weight for a sound third. Grand Marshal made a wide run from ninth at the 700m and continued to make ground for a good fourth. Honorius was seventh on the rails and also made ground for (2.5 lengths) fifth. Favourite Maygrove, the Wellington Cup (Gr 2, 2400m) winner, raced in sixth place one off the rails. He moved up (deep) approaching the home turn, challenged at the 300m but just battled from that point to finish (4.7 lengths) sixth.