After racing below his best for fourth in the Lonhro Plate (Listed, 1100m) when resuming at Warwick Farm on February 9, Time To Reign bounced back with an impressive victory here, his third win in four starts. He was a bit deep early on before settling in third place, one off the rails, tracking a quick tempo. He moved up on straightening, took the lead at the 200m and drew away for a very smart win, handling the soft 7 track well. The favourite Tassort settled in second last place in the seven-horse field, improved (deep) nearing the home turn, went to third at the 200m and then battled on quite well for second, his first defeat in two starts. Team Hawkes-trained colt Born A Warrior was slow to move, was last early on, improved between runners on turning for home and made ground to take third in a sound effort on debut. McLaren chased the free-running leader, looked a threat on straightening but then battled on for (6.2 lengths) fourth in the affected going. Cardiff set a hot tempo and only faded on passing the 200m for (6.4 lengths) fifth and the highly regarded colt Faretti raced in fourth on the rails but seemed to struggle on the soft 7 track in the straight to finish (7.4 lengths) sixth on debut.