Progressive Chris Waller-trained colt Higher Ground staked claims for the major three-year-old staying races at the upcoming Queensland Winter Carnival with a solid performance in winning here, albeit by the barest of margins. He travelled nicely back in fourth place on the rails, behind a good tempo, moved up well to challenge at the 200m and after quite a battle, he did best to grab victory on the post. His more experienced stablemate, Tangled who has been placed at Group One level at his prior two starts, raced back in seventh place on the rails before getting along the inner at the home turn. He took a narrow lead at the 200m and kept battling gamely, only failing by a nose in the last few strides. The favourite Holy Snow settled well in sixth place, loomed dangerously at the 200m and kept fighting on well for a close up third. Icon Of Dubai made ground from second last in the ten-horse field, without threatening for (2.3 lengths) fourth while Savvy Ken did well in holding for (2.8 lengths) fifth after being a clear leader in the mid-stages.