Rugged Cross raced in a more prominent position from his rails barrier (1) settling in fifth place on the rails. He was under pressure on straightening and was still only fourth at the 100m but he lifted gamely in the closing stages to score a narrow but good win. Two Blue again went to the front. He looked to be travelling well nearing the home turn, fought off challengers from the 200m, only to be grabbed in the last few strides for the closest of seconds. Wouldn’t It Be Nice was ridden quietly and settled seventh on the rails. He switched deep on turning for home, looked a threat when he challenged at the 200m and then fought on well for a close-up third. Liberty’s Choice travelled well in third place on the rails, got an inside run on straightening and then battled on for a sound first-up fourth, beaten just under a length. Favourite You’ll Never was fourth, one out and one back but was under riding on turning for home and disappointed in finishing (2.6 lengths) seventh while Haussmann also disappointed in the Heavy9 conditions, tiring for (7.5 lengths) eighth after racing outside the leader to the home turn.