The Newcastle Cup (Gr 3, 2300m) winner Broadside, who was having his first start since sixth in The Metropolitan (Gr 1, 2400m) in September, scored an impressive first up win. He settled nicely in fourth place (one out and one back) before moving up well rounding the home turn. He got to the front on passing the 300m and then drew clear to score comfortably, handling the downgraded Soft 6 track well. Lord Kingsley raced in last place in the seven-horse field until he was taken deep nearing the 300m. He got to second at the 100m and then fought on well to hold that position in a sound effort advancing from his recent Benchmark 85 (2000m) win at this track a fortnight ago. Montauk raced in sixth place, tracked the eventual winner from the home turn, going to third at the 100m before battling on to hold the minor placing. The favourite Savapinski raced outside the leader (Fabrizio) but was soon under pressure on straightening. She then kept battling on for a disappointing (5.6 lengths) fourth, either racing below her best on the Soft 6 track or perhaps she has come to the end of a very successful preparation, highlighted by a Group Two win at Flemington three weeks ago.