Eastender staged a strong staying effort in taking out this Group 3 feature, his third win in succession and his ninth win from 20 career-starts. He settled at the tail of the 11-horse field, improved from the 700m but was switched to the rails by Craig Newitt rounding the home turn, hit the front on straightening and out-stayed his rivals to win well. Lamborghini was midfield, improved coming to the home turn, challenged out deep on turning for home and kept fighting on for second, narrowly in advance of the third-placed Appmat who was handily placed all the way before taking the lead nearing the home turn. The favourite Al Galayel was just beyond midfield, attempted to improve from the 600m but just battled from that point to finish 10th, racing well below in best on the affected track.