Hauraki was ridden patiently by James McDonald and settled nicely in ninth place on the rails. He was still well back coming to the home turn, McDonald then got an opening on passing the 300m and Hauraki dashed to the front at the 150m. He then went on to win easily by two and half lengths, running the 2000m out strongly, suggesting he will cope with the extra distance of the ATC Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) next Saturday. Omeros was seventh on the rails. He got an inside run at the home turn, burst to the lead at the 300m and briefly looked the winner. He then fought on for a good second, putting up a smart effort at only his third race start. Merion enjoyed a good trip behind the leader, took a rails run to challenge on straightening and then fought on quite well for third. Quick Strike was back in tenth place, one off the rails, went wide around the home turn and ran on soundly for (4.2 lengths) fourth. Ruling Dynasty was near last to the 600m and steadily made ground in the straight for (5.1 lengths) fifth.