The WATC Derby (Gr 2, 2400m) winner Gatting, who was having his third run this preparation, put up a good effort in winning here, appreciating the step up to 1800m. He settled in fifth place, behind a slow pace (first 1200m 1:17.82) before improving (wide with cover) from the 800m. He continued to move up, as the tempo increased approaching the home turn, challenged nearing the 100m and then went on score a really good win. Dark Alert went to the front, steadied the pace and then fought back well in the straight, only behind overtaken in the closing stages for second, beaten a half-length. Ihtsahymn was near last early on but made an early move (wide) from the 800m. He was widest of all at the home turn and kept running on resolutely for a very good third.