In a keenly contested finish, the Ken Keys-trained gelding Al Passem recorded his fifth win and his first at stakes level in 27 starts in scoring here. After leading early on, he settled in third place on the rails before easing into clear running on straightening. He challenged at the 200m, got to the front at the 100m and then fought back to score by a head. The favourite A Shin Rock settled nicely for Craig Williams in sixth place, one off the rails. He moved up (deep) nearing the home turn, challenged at the 100m and then fought on well for a close second. Heptagon raced in fifth place, on the rails, improved on turning for home, took a split nearing the 100m and then battled on nicely for a close-up third with Brown Ben running on well when clear for (0.7 lengths) fourth .