Despatch is building an impressive record with seven wins in 11 starts including four stakes, this being his first Group 1, and is unbeaten in four starts this preparation. He co-led early then took over alone to set the pace from the 1000m. Going comfortably around the corner and approaching the straight he was up by a length, sped clear by two at the 300m and tried to slip them. That plan saw him increase the lead slightly but inside the 100m the challenges were on but he rallied well then held on grimly by a neck at the post. Behemoth was midfield, locked away on the rails from the 600m, was blocked until the 100m then flew between runners very late to get up for an unlucky second. Spright put up a nice effort. Third last (rails) turning in, she hugged the fence all the way up the straight, accelerated into second but was swamped by Behemoth very late, while Hard Empire was handy enough at the 300m but kept on well to the line for fourth.