New Zealand-trained gelding The Bostonian scored a smart first up win. Having his first start since November, he began well from his wide barrier (12) and settled outside the leader (Mail Escort) at a reasonable tempo on the heavy 8 track. He looked under pressure on straightening but then battled strongly and finished best in the closing stages to score by a half neck in a solid performance now taking his record to four wins (two at stakes level) from seven starts. The Mick Pricetrained Sun Quan had a nice run behind the leader, got through on the inner to take the lead on turning for home and was only overtaken nearing the post for a good second after running a bold race. Winter Bride raced in sixth place (three wide) before moving up (deep) rounding the home turn. She then kept battling on really well for third after being caught deep most of the race. Sheikha did not show much early pace and after being well back early on improved along the rails nearing the home turn. She then kept battling on along the rails for fourth just ahead of Shogun Sun who kept running on quite well from near the tail of the field for fifth.