Hugh Bowman rode more aggressively than expected on Winx, assuming he was conscious that a moderate tempo was likely in the champion's bid for her fourth Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) and he settled her in an ideal spot in fifth place (one off the rails) after being deep early on. She then tracked a good tempo, improved (deep) on passing the 700m, moved up strongly rounding the home turn, got to the front halfway down the straight and then went on to score easily, her 29th successive win and her 22nd at Group 1 level after a perfect ride by Bowman. Godolphin's Benbatl, a winner of three Group 1 races from his last five starts, raced in third place, moved up (three wide) coming to the home turn, challenged on straightening and then fought gamely for second, albeit after being outclassed by the winner over the closing stages. Humidor raced back at the tail of the field, attempted to track Winx from the 600m, got to third shortly after straightening and then kept fighting on really well for third, looking suited to longer. Avilius raced near the tail of the field, improved (between runners) at the home turn and then battled on nicely for fourth, although beaten almost eight lengths, advancing to this high class. Aidan O'Brien-trained Rostropovich raced outside the leader (D'Argento) at a good tempo, briefly got to the front coming to the home turn before finishing (8.8 lengths) fifth in a sound performance at his first Australian start. D'Agento went to front, set a good pace, was pressured from the 700m before finishing (9.8 lengths) sixth. New Zealand mare Savvy Coup raced in fourth place on the rails but dropped out to finish at the tail of the field, beaten 11 lengths, while Kings Will Dream was retired from the race in the early stages after something went amiss.