Short-priced favourite Elite Belle was ridden patiently and remained in third place, following a very moderate tempo to the 600m. She moved up (three deep) rounding the home turn and looked set for a comfortable win at the 200m but she was suddenly under pressure from the 200m. She then responded well and fought back to win by a head, looking unsuited by the slow early pace. Ranger was fifth on the rails in the small six-horse field. He got a split between runners to challenge at the 200m and then battled well for a close second while the eight-year-old Grand Nirvana was second to the turn, took a narrow lead shortly after straightening and fought on surprisingly well for a close-up third. *ANZ