Brent Stanley-trained gelding Red Alto was a surprise $71 winner - scoring his seventh win but his first at stakes level in 44 starts. He was smartly away from his wide barrier (11) and settled nicely in fifth place on the rails after some skilful riding by Michael Walker. In a race run at a solid tempo, he improved between runners at the home turn, hit the front at the 100m and battled on in a good staying effort to win well. It was also a very good ride by Walker. The former UK-trained stayer Dal Harraild, having his second Australian start, raced in fourth place (one out and one back), moved up well nearing the home turn, took the lead on straightening and then fought really well for second, conceding 3kg to the winner. Sir Charles Road raced in eighth place (one off the rails), switched deeper and into clear running at the home turn, challenged at the 200m and then battled on gamely for a close up third. Lord Fandango settled beyond midfield, went widest of all at the home run and ran on well for fourth, beaten less than a length. The favourite Furrion settled back in tenth place (one off the rails), improved (deep) coming to the home turn, put in his bid coming to the 200m and then kept battling on for a sound (1.3 lengths) fifth after seeming to have had his chance in the straight.