Red Cardinal staged a solid staying effort in winning here. Resuming for new trainer Kris Lees after finishing near the tail of the field in last year's Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m), he raced in last place in the 13-horse field, behind a solid tempo, before switching into clear running at the 300m. He then finished strongly, hit the front at the 50m and then drew clear to score by a length. His stablemate, Big Duke, also resuming, raced back in tenth to the home turn. He got between runners in the straight, briefly hit the front at the 100m and then fought well for second. Age Of Fire raced in ninth place, improved along the inner on turning for home and then kept battling on well for third. Casterton raced in seventh place, on the rails, got along the inner to the third at the home turn, took the lead at the 200m and then held on for (2.8 lengths) fourth. The favourite Samadoubt went to the front and then ran along at a solid tempo before weakening in the straight for (7.7 lengths) ninth.