Highland Reel was smartly away and crossed to take the early lead. Ryan Moore then slowed the pace, so much so that Tommy Berry made an abrupt move from the tail of the field on Harbour Master to race to the lead at the 1200m. Highland Reel then travelled in third spot, moved up rounding the home turn, was overtaken briefly at the 300m then lifted to hit the front on passing the 200m and then went on to score impressively. Favourite and last year’s winner Flintshire had a good trip in fifth place, one off the rails. He improved quickly with a strong run on turning for home and looked the winner when he loomed up at the 300m. He then fought well from the 200m, just finding the winner a bit too strong in the latter stages. Dariyan settled nicely in eighth place, got between runners on turning for home, went to fourth at the 200m and battled strongly for a good third. Australia’s runner Preferment raced back in ninth place, wide with cover, was under pressure on straightening and just battled in the straight to finish (7.8 lengths) seventh.