Team Hawkes-trained colt Brutal followed his excellent second to Winx (Street Cry) in the George Ryder Stakes (Gr 1, 1500m) on March 23 with an impressive effort in taking out this Group 1 feature, his fourth win in seven starts. He was smartly away from his wide barrier (18) and soon settled outside the leader (Dreamforce), who was setting a solid tempo. He then fought gamely in the straight, got the upper hand under his 49kg at the 100m and went on to win well. Dreamforce went to the front and set a good pace (first 1000m in 60.47). He got a break at the 300m and then battled very gamey for second, conceding 4.5kg to the winner. The top weight (58kg) Hartnell began well and was handily placed in fourth spot. He moved up at the home turn and then kept fighting well for third. The Japanese runner Kluger raced in eighth place, between runners, and did well in running on for (2.7 lengths) fourth at his first Australian start. Shillelagh battled on nicely on the rails for (3.5 lengths) fifth while Dixie Blossoms made good late ground from back in the field for (3.6 lengths) sixth.