A surprise result with the $91 chance Balboa Rocks scored here, his ninth win but his first at stakes level in 29 starts. Having his second start back, he settled near the tail of the field from his outside barrier (15), improved (deep) nearing the home turn, sprinted strongly in the centre of the track to hit the front at the 100m and then fought back for a good win. Sovereign Nation raced in eighth place, on the rails, got through on the inner after being briefly held up on straightening and kept fighting well under his top weight (59kg) for second, beaten a halflength. Fit For Purpose settled near last, improved (between runners) on turning for home and kept running on nicely to take the minor placing. The favourite Gaulois raced in ninth place, was held up for clear running on straightening but just battled on over the latter stages when clear to finish (1.7 lengths) eighth.