The New Zealander Veyron settled back in third place from his good barrier (2) following a fast early pace. He was under pressure from the 600m when he was giving the leader (Rain Affair) about six lengths. However, he kept making ground, challenged gamely at the 100m and then fought on in gutsy fashion to win narrowly but well in fast time (1:21.55). Streama began well and raced in second place, not too far from the flying leader. She was ridden hard on straightening but did not shirk her task and fought back very well for a strong first-up second. Rain Affair worked across from his wide barrier (12) and soon led. He then ran along at a fast pace (first 800m 46.18), holding a clear lead until the 150m mark. He tired shortly after to finish third, beaten a length and a half, being tested by the 1400m and his early efforts. Beaten Up was a distant fifth to the turn and battled on particularly well in the straight for a most encouraging first-up fourth. Toydini was a distant fourth to the turn and held on quite well for a sound first-up fifth. Metal Bender was a distant eighth to the 600m and made up good ground for an encouraging first-up sixth. The Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Hawkspur, also resuming, came from near last for a good seventh while Foreteller came from last for a late-closing eighth, also putting up a sound effort. *ANZ