Elite Belle was ridden patiently and settled in eighth place one off the rails, travelling comfortably. She moved up nicely (wide) rounding the home turn, put in a strong run to hit the lead passing the 200m and proved too classy, drawing away for an impressive win. Kalahaar was shuffled back to second last in the ten-horse field at the 600m, improved between runners rounding the home bend but was blocked on straightening. He eased across heels at the 200m and ran on nicely to grab second at the post. The well-supported favourite Checkpoint raced outside the leader, Settle Strada, took the lead briefly at the 200m and then battled reasonably well for third. *ANZ