In a surprise result Testashadow, who was having his second run this preparation, scored a narrow win, his first success since winning at the Gold Coast in January. He had a good trip back in fifth place, behind a good tempo. He commenced a move (in the centre of the track) from the 300m, took a slight advantage at the 100m and the fought on to score by the barest of margins. Chris Waller-trained, Irish import Mister Sea Wolf created a very good impression at his Australian debut. He raced back in sixth place on the rails, improved nicely (under riding) between horses on straightening, challenged at 100m and battled strongly for second, beaten a nose. Red Excitement was again ridden back in the field and remained in second last place in the nine-horse field before going wides of all from the 300m. He then kept running on well under his top weight (59.5kg) for a close up third. Mighty Lucky was fourth on the rails and kept battling on to hold that position beaten a length. The favourite Cabeza De Vaca, who was chasing his sixth successive win, led the field at a good tempo before tiring over the latter stages for (3.2 lengths) eighth.