Fresh from a seven-month spell, Hard Empire was too strong over the last 100m to score win number nine at start 24 and his maiden stakes success. He settled a distant third early and didn't begin his forward move until the rounding into the home straight, yet two lengths adrift, at the 300m. Under a strong ride he levelled up at the 150m, took over soon after and went to the line strongly, winning by two lengths. In a good line up for the minor placings, Steel Frost was a close second all the way to the home straight, still there at the 300m and held on gamely for second. I'm Wesley led them in, was caught at the 150m but also held on gamely from Casino Wizard, who lunged late to grab fourth.