Global Flirt ($61) was having his fourth run this preparation and was stepping up to 2100m. He led in the early stages and was able to set a moderate early pace before easing to race handy on the rails. He got a split at the 200m and ran on solidly to score by a length. Equal favourite Son Of Something was midfield and three wide before improving (still wide) nearing the 600m. He challenged strongly at the 200m and then fought on well for a good second after a difficult trip. Kirov Boy was near the tail of the field but made a quick wide run from the 1600m, due to the slow early tempo, and took the lead nearing the 1200m. He then battled on in good style after his early effort for a sound third, beaten only a length. Red Blast came from last at the 800m to finish (1.3 lengths) fourth while the other equal favourite Rebelson was a handy fifth, one off the rails, looked a threat when he challenged at the 200m and then battled on for (1.4 lengths) fifth.