Kia Ora Koutou, who was having his fourth run this preparation, returned to winner’s list in scoring his first win in over 12 months here. He was last in the early stages in the nine-horse field before making an early move (due to the slow tempo) to race in second place. He set out after the leader (Kirov Boy) at the 600m, got to the front at the 300m and went on to win well in a solid staying effort. Star Exhibit settled in sixth place, made a wide move rounding the home turn, challenged strongly in the straight before battling on well for second while Dark Musket was eighth at the home turn and then got along the rails to take the minor placing.