Mark Newnham-trained gelding Shadow Hero followed his lateclosing second on debut in a two-year-old maiden (1400m) at Newcastle on May 7 with a smart performance in taking out this Listed race at his second race start. He settled in sixth place, on the rails from his inside barrier (1), got a nice run through at the home turn, took a split at the 200m, hit the front at the 100m and then fought best to score a narrow but very good win. It was also an excellent ride by Blake Shinn. Creator settled in second last place in the tenhorse field from his outside barrier. He improved well (wide) from the 600m, challenged strongly approaching the 100m and then battled gamely for (halfneck) second, staging a good effort. Fasano raced in third place, one off the rails, going a bit keenly in stages. He moved up well nearing the home turn and then fought on well for a close up third in a promising effort at his second start. Eric The Eel made good late ground from last for (3.3 lengths) fourth while the favourite Autocratic raced a bit keenly in fourth place on the rails, behind a moderate tempo and then battled on for (3.5 lengths) fifth.